Malaysia offers to invite Myanmar leader in Rohingya repatriation push

What the report says

Malaysia has предложed inviting Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, for an official visit as part of a broader effort to speed the return of Rohingya refugees, according to Al Jazeera. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim made the offer on Wednesday and said Malaysia wanted a more practical diplomatic approach that would combine engagement with pressure on Myanmar to accept Rohingya back.

The report says the invitation, if accepted, would further reduce Myanmar’s isolation and come amid Min Aung Hlaing’s push for international legitimacy after the 2021 coup. Al Jazeera noted that Malaysia has been a frequent critic of Myanmar’s military authorities, while ASEAN has barred Myanmar’s leaders from its summits since 2021. It also said Min Aung Hlaing has recently visited several ASEAN countries as well as China, India and Russia.

Malaysia hosts more than 126,000 Rohingya, despite not being a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention. The issue remains politically sensitive in Malaysia, where local tensions have grown. Al Jazeera reported that in July Malaysia said Myanmar had agreed to take back 5,000 Rohingya, and that the first phase of a voluntary repatriation plan would see at least 1,500 eligible refugees return on September 29. The development matters because Rohingya repatriation has long stalled amid conflict in Myanmar and allegations of abuse against the minority population.