The Malaysian government has begun repatriating approximately 5,000 asylum seekers from Myanmar as part of an agreement with Myanmar's military leader, Min Aung Hlaing. Three ships from the Myanmar navy are scheduled to depart from Malaysia carrying the first group of 1,476 returnees. Human rights organizations have criticized the repatriation, citing concerns that the returnees may face violence, persecution, and forced conscription into the Myanmar army.
The Malaysian government has characterized the repatriation as voluntary but has restricted the UN refugee agency from accessing or screening the returnees, who have been held in detention centers. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that the returnees will include Rohingyas, a Muslim minority that has sought refuge in Malaysia after being displaced from Myanmar, where they are not recognized as citizens.
Anwar, whose popularity has declined this year, indicated that he is responding to increasing public discontent regarding the large Rohingya population in Malaysia and feels compelled to negotiate with the Myanmar government for their return. This decision marks a significant change in Malaysia's approach to the issue.
Previously, Anwar had positioned himself as a defender of human rights and advocated for support for the Rohingyas. Malaysia has historically refused to recognize Min Aung Hlaing's regime and has been vocal in seeking a resolution to Myanmar's civil conflict.
The shift in sentiment towards the Rohingyas among Malaysians has been influenced by economic challenges following the Covid-19 pandemic, which has led to rising resentment. Since 2018, Malaysian politics has been unstable, following the ousting of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), which had held power for over 60 years.
Public sympathy for the Rohingyas has waned, particularly during the pandemic, when accusations against them circulated on social media. The previous government adopted a stricter stance, halting the acceptance of more refugees and conducting raids on communities suspected of harboring illegal immigrants.
In May, an online complaint regarding the disposal of animal waste by Rohingyas sparked a viral campaign that falsely accused them of demanding land and citizenship. An online petition calling for their expulsion garnered over 400,000 signatures before being removed.
Despite Anwar's past advocacy for humane treatment of Rohingyas, he has stated that they must be expelled, citing them as a burden on Malaysia. Critics, including former officials, have accused him of abandoning his principles. Anwar faces significant political pressure, having formed a coalition government and seen his popularity decline, with local elections resulting in losses for his party.
Tricia Yeoh, Director of the Asian Institute for Policy and Engagement, noted that Anwar is under pressure to appease his coalition partners and that the narrative surrounding ethnic Malays has shifted towards a need for state protection against outsiders.
The feasibility of repatriating Rohingyas to Myanmar remains uncertain, as they are not recognized as citizens and face severe restrictions within the country. Most of Rakhine State, where they are allowed to reside, is controlled by the Arakan Army and is subject to military attacks. The only potential return location, Sittwe, is besieged and lacks essential resources. Rights groups express concern that any men among the returnees could be forcibly conscripted into the military.
Neither Malaysia nor Myanmar has provided clarity on how these challenges will be addressed or how the repatriation aligns with humanitarian standards. Nur Sadek, a Rohingya refugee rights advocate, emphasized the importance of ensuring that the return is safe and voluntary, stating, "We all dream of being able to return home one day, but we want to return because it is safe and because we choose to — not because we are forced to."