Kuala lumpur: Malaysia will continue to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN member states and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in addressing the Rohingya refugee crisis through a more strategic and comprehensive approach.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni stated that Malaysia has consistently used the ASEAN platform to push for a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Myanmar. The country is working closely with the UNHCR to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees within its borders.
He emphasized that this approach reflects Malaysia's commitment to regional security and humanitarian responsibility. The refugee and asylum seeker crisis, including that involving the Rohingya, has cross-border implications such as irregular migration, human trafficking, and security challenges.
However, Lukanisman noted that the effectiveness of these efforts in achieving a long-term solution remains limited. ASEAN's response is constrained by its principles of non-interference and consensus-based decision-making, which restrict stronger collective action against Myanmar. Meanwhile, the UNHCR's mandate is limited to providing protection and assistance to refugees, without the authority to address the political causes of the crisis. As a result, current efforts focus more on protecting human rights and delivering humanitarian aid than on achieving a comprehensive solution.
During a Special Chamber session of the Dewan Rakyat sitting, Lukanisman responded to a question from Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau) regarding the extent of Malaysia's cooperation with ASEAN and the UNHCR in seeking a long-term resolution to the crisis.
Looking ahead, Lukanisman mentioned that Malaysia is prepared to consider several regional strategies. These include strengthening responsibility-sharing mechanisms among ASEAN member states and promoting a political solution that would enable the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of Rohingya refugees. He added that this approach would not only strengthen regional stability but also reflect Malaysia's role as a country committed to peace, security, and humanitarian principles at the international level.