Anwar: Dialogue with Myanmar offers best hope for Rohingya solution

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (second from left) delivering a speech at the 'Majlis Ilmu Madani (Madani Knowledge Gathering) with the Prime Minister, held at the Seri Perdana Complex today.Also seen are the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr. Zulkifli Hasan (left), regional preacher Ustaz Abdul Somad Batubara (third from left), and the Founder and Managing Director of The Weststar Group, Tan Sri Dr. Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim (right). — Bernama pic

First Published: Wednesday, 28 Oct 2026 8:11 PM MYT

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 28 — Malaysia has opted for diplomacy in dealing with the refugee issue involving Myanmar, despite facing international criticism over the government’s approach to resolving the matter, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

He said the approach was necessary to seek a solution after years of criticism and condemnation directed at Myanmar had failed to bring about any significant change in the country’s policies.

“When I invited Myanmar President (Min Aung Hlaing), what was the objective? In my two previous meetings with him, I urged him to moderate his stance. We have been expressing anger and criticising them for 20 or 30 years, but it has had no effect. There has been no change in policy.

“The people in Rakhine, the Rohingya, continue to suffer. Some 200,000 have fled here, placing a burden on us as well. The people, including the Malay community, are becoming increasingly upset over the situation

Anwar was speaking at the ‘Majlis Ilmu Madani’ programme at Kompleks Seri Perdana here today, featuring prominent Indonesian preacher Ustaz Dr Abdul Somad Batubara as a guest.

He was explaining Malaysia’s position on refugees from Myanmar, including the Rohingya, and efforts to facilitate their return to their country of origin. — Bernama