Malaysia Can Leverage Myanmar’s Asean Recognition Bid To Safeguard Returnees – Analyst
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- Malaysia could leverage Myanmar’s desire for greater recognition within ASEAN to press for better treatment of its citizens being repatriated from Malaysia, according to political analyst Dr Azmi Hassan.
He said Myanmar’s efforts to regain acceptance within the regional bloc presented Malaysia with an opportunity to seek assurances over the welfare of returning nationals, particularly amid the ongoing conflict in the country.
“We have some leverage on the Myanmar government,” he said during a virtual interview on Bernama TV’s Bernama World programme on Monday.
Azmi said Myanmar’s leadership was seeking Malaysia’s support for greater acceptance within ASEAN, making its treatment of returning nationals an important consideration in future diplomatic engagement.
He stressed that Malaysia’s practical cooperation with Myanmar, particularly in facilitating the repatriation of undocumented migrants, should not be interpreted as formal political recognition of its government.
Azmi said Malaysia faced a difficult balancing act between enforcing immigration laws and addressing humanitarian concerns, particularly given the continuing instability in Myanmar.
He acknowledged that Malaysia had faced criticism over the repatriation exercise but argued that cooperation with Myanmar authorities was necessary to facilitate the return of undocumented nationals.
However, he said Malaysia had limited control over developments within Myanmar and could only hope that its authorities would fulfil their responsibilities towards returning citizens.
“I think it is a very difficult balancing act, but we must prioritise our citizens first in this particular case,” he said.
On Myanmar’s prospects for reintegration into ASEAN, Azmi said the country must demonstrate meaningful progress towards democracy and improve its treatment of citizens before expecting greater recognition from the regional bloc.
He added that ASEAN could play a constructive role in supporting Myanmar’s economic recovery and reducing its dependence on China for trade and assistance.
Azmi also expressed confidence that China would view Malaysia’s diplomatic engagement with Myanmar positively, arguing that greater stability in Myanmar would benefit ASEAN and the wider Indo-Pacific region.
“I think it will be a win-win situation for Myanmar to be integrated back into ASEAN, not only for ASEAN but also for China in this case,” he said.
The discussion comes as Malaysia proceeds with the repatriation of undocumented Myanmar nationals. The first phase of the exercise involves 1,476 individuals, according to figures cited during the programme.
-- BERNAMA
