AN MCA Youth leader has called for an immediate special sitting of Parliament to clarify the government’s plan involving the proposed repatriation of 5,000 Myanmar nationals from Malaysia.
Its deputy chairman Mike Chong said the issue had become increasingly confusing following statements by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil concerning whether Rohingya refugees would be among those returned.
On July 29, Anwar said Myanmar had agreed to take back 5,000 Rohingya refugees from Malaysia following negotiations between the two countries. He described the agreement as an initial step towards addressing the long-running Rohingya issue and maintaining public order.
However, the government subsequently stressed that any repatriation would not proceed if those being returned were found to face a risk to their lives or persecution in Myanmar.
Adding to the uncertainty, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said authorities had begun identifying, documenting and screening individuals ahead of the proposed repatriation.
A subsequent report by The Associated Press said Myanmar officials had described the arrangement as involving verified Myanmar nationals and excluding Rohingya, highlighting the need for greater clarity over the identities and status of those covered by the agreement.
Chong said Malaysians therefore had the right to know the government’s actual position.
“The people have the right to know the government’s actual position. The conflicting statements have only created greater uncertainty over who will be returned, under what conditions and whether Rohingya refugees are involved,” he stressed.
He said the issue had gone beyond a humanitarian question and was increasingly being viewed through the lenses of national security, public health, economic costs and public confidence in government.
Chong said concerns raised by Malaysians included community safety, infectious disease risks, illegal settlements and additional pressure on public healthcare services and national infrastructure.
“These concerns cannot simply be dismissed. The government must explain clearly how it intends to manage the issue, what safeguards are in place and what criteria will determine who can or cannot be repatriated,” he added.
Chong pointed out that a special sitting of Parliament would allow MPs to debate the matter openly and examine the government’s policy, including the basis of any agreement with Myanmar and the safeguards surrounding any potential return.
“The government must provide transparency and give Parliament the opportunity to scrutinise this matter thoroughly,” he continued.
“Malaysians deserve a policy that is fair, responsible and puts the country’s interests first while also ensuring that humanitarian and legal considerations are properly addressed.”
He said Parliament should also examine the wider implications of Malaysia’s management of refugees, including public order, healthcare, immigration enforcement and the country’s international obligations.
“If the government can convene a special sitting to debate the Royal Commission of Inquiry report on the Tabung Haji issue, then an issue with implications for national security, public health, public finances and the daily lives of Malaysians should also warrant serious parliamentary debate,” Chong stated.
He said a special sitting would provide an opportunity for the government to explain the agreement, clarify whether the proposed 5,000-person return involves Rohingya refugees or other Myanmar nationals, and set out the safeguards governing any repatriation.
“Parliament should not be left to piece together the government’s position from different statements. This is a matter of national importance and requires a clear, consistent and transparent explanation,” he said. ‒ Aug 13, 2026
Main image: The Star
