KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia says responsibility for resolving the Rohingya crisis should not fall on the country alone, but requires Myanmar's commitment and concrete action to address the root causes of the crisis and achieve a lasting solution.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Malaysia would continue to support the effort through diplomatic engagement and humanitarian cooperation, alongside sustained support from Asean and the international community.
He said the issue of Rohingya repatriation could only be resolved by addressing the root causes of the crisis in Myanmar.
Malaysia continued to pursue diplomatic efforts at bilateral, regional and international levels to create conditions for the Rohingya to return to Myanmar safely, voluntarily, with dignity and sustainably, he added.
"At the bilateral level, Malaysia continues to engage with Myanmar 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 they can rebuild their lives in their place of origin without discrimination or exclusion," he said in a written reply in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to Datuk Shamshulkahar Mohd Deli (BN-Jempol), who asked about diplomatic guarantees and mechanisms with the Myanmar government to ensure the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees, as well as follow-up measures through Asean to address the root causes of the crisis and prevent it from recurring and burdening host countries.
Mohamad said Asean continued to uphold the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) as its main framework for addressing the crisis in Myanmar.
Efforts focused on three components of the 5PC: ending violence, expanding non-discriminatory access to humanitarian assistance, and promoting inclusive dialogue with all relevant stakeholders in Myanmar.
He said Asean Special Envoy on Myanmar Tan Sri Othman Hashim continued to push for meaningful implementation of the 5PC, maintaining Asean's efforts since 2021 towards a practical and lasting resolution to the crisis.
As a next step, Asean was also identifying additional initiatives to complement existing efforts, with the aim of securing Myanmar's acceptance and cooperation in restoring peace and stability in the country, he added.
"On the humanitarian front, Malaysia also supports Asean's efforts through the Asean Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) to assist people affected by the conflict in Myanmar.
"The AHA Centre coordinates the delivery of humanitarian assistance without discrimination through cooperation with relevant parties in Myanmar and, where necessary, through cross-border efforts.
"Asean also works with the United Nations (UN) and other international partners to extend the reach of aid and ensure it reaches those in need," he said.
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