MYANMAR must demonstrate commitment and take concrete action to address the root causes of the Rohingya crisis, as Malaysia cannot be expected to shoulder responsibility for resolving the issue alone, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said.
He said Malaysia would continue pursuing diplomatic engagement and humanitarian cooperation at bilateral, regional and international levels to create conditions for Rohingya refugees to return to Myanmar safely, voluntarily, with dignity and sustainably.
However, he stressed that repatriation could only be resolved by addressing the underlying causes of the crisis in Myanmar, with sustained support from ASEAN and the international community.
“At the bilateral level, Malaysia continues to engage with the Myanmar authorities to encourage measures that support the return of the Rohingya to Myanmar.
“Emphasis is also placed on guarantees of rights, protection and equal opportunities so that they can rebuild their lives in their places of origin without discrimination or exclusion,” he said in a written parliamentary reply on Tuesday.
Mohamad was responding to Datuk Shamshulkahar Mohd Deli (BN-Jempol), who asked about diplomatic assurances and mechanisms with Myanmar to ensure the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees, as well as ASEAN's efforts to address the root causes of the crisis and prevent it from recurring.
At the regional level, Mohamad said ASEAN continued to rely on the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) as its main framework for addressing the crisis in Myanmar.
The framework prioritises ending violence, facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance without discrimination and promoting inclusive dialogue among all relevant stakeholders in Myanmar.
He said ASEAN Chair's Special Envoy on Myanmar Tan Sri Othman Hashim continued efforts to push for meaningful implementation of the consensus, maintaining the bloc's efforts since 2021 to achieve a practical and lasting resolution.
ASEAN was also identifying additional initiatives to complement existing measures, with the aim of securing Myanmar's acceptance and cooperation in restoring peace and stability.
On humanitarian assistance, Mohamad said Malaysia supported ASEAN's efforts through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre), which coordinates aid for people affected by the conflict in Myanmar.
The centre coordinates the delivery of non-discriminatory humanitarian assistance in cooperation with relevant parties in Myanmar and, where necessary, through cross-border efforts.
ASEAN also works with the United Nations and other international partners to expand the reach of humanitarian aid and ensure it reaches those in need, he added. - October 21, 2026