Malaysia talks put Myanmar returns under scrutiny
Min Aung Hlaing’s first visit to Malaysia since the 2021 coup includes discussions on returning Myanmar nationals, amid warnings about risks from the country’s civil war.
Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing has arrived in Malaysia for a two-day visit and talks with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, with the return of Myanmar nationals among the issues on the agenda.
Malaysia’s government said the visit would allow Anwar to maintain direct engagement with Myanmar. It described the proposed repatriations as voluntary, dignified and safe. A spokeswoman for Min Aung Hlaing said the discussions would cover the same aims.
The proposals have drawn warnings from the United Nations and rights groups that people sent back could face serious danger amid Myanmar’s civil war. The source report does not specify how many people may be returned or who they are.
Anwar has said Myanmar authorities assured Malaysia that returnees would not be harmed. Malaysia says it has deported about 10,000 Myanmar nationals since January.
Myanmar has been in turmoil since the 2021 military coup, which triggered a civil war. The source report estimates the conflict has killed 100,000 people and displaced more than 3.5 million.
