Harapan Makes Urgent Appeal To Stop Myanmar Refugees From Being Sent Back

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Pakatan Harapan leaders are worried that Malaysia is making a grave mistake in possibly sending back political refugees to a terrible fate under Myanmar's new military dictatorship.
The opposition coalition called for the re-evaluation of the government's decision to deport 1,200 Myanmar nationals as their country of origin faces political instability. 
"Malaysia must condemn the Myanmar military junta and call for prisoners of conscience to be released.
"The Pakatan Harapan presidential council is gravely concerned about the ongoing situation in Myanmar following the military coup on Feb 1 which deposed the democratically elected civilian government.
"We urge the Malaysian government to reconsider its decision to deport 1,200 Myanmar nationals as it legitimises the Myanmar military junta," said PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng in a statement today.
"It is irresponsible to repatriate refugees back to a conflict zone so soon after a civil-military confrontation which could put their safety at risk," they stressed. 
Yesterday, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) told Reuters at least six people registered with it were among the 1,200 Myanmar nationals to be deported next week.
The United States also voiced alarm that the plan could put deportees' lives at risk, even as Myanmar naval ships arrived in Malaysian waters to pick up the detainees. It was reported that they would be departing on Tuesday.

"We are disturbed by reports that nearly 500 anti-coup political leaders, activists and protesters, including Aung San Suu Kyi, have been detained in Myanmar," said the three Harapan leaders.
"We categorically condemn the arrests and call for their release.
"We are also very disturbed by reports indicating the heavy-handed response of the security apparatus towards peaceful protesters which has led to a number of civilians being severely injured or killed," they added.
Yesterday, two people were killed in Myanmar’s second city Mandalay when police and soldiers fired to disperse protesters, emergency workers said on what was the bloodiest day in more than two weeks of demonstrations.

Myanmar protesters hold signs demanding the release of their elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi
Protesters took to the streets in cities and towns across Myanmar with members of ethnic minorities, poets, rappers and transport workers among those demanding an end to military rule and the release from detention of elected leader Suu Kyi and others.
"The recent actions by the Tatmadaw (Myanmar military) led by senior general Min Aung Hlaing are a step backwards for democracy and disregard the will of the people of Myanmar who had voted in November 2020 to reject military rule.
"The National League for Democracy (NLD) won a landslide victory and the election result should be respected," said the Harapan trio who also called on the military junta to end the use of live ammunition particularly in facing demonstrations.
"Until international observers are able to assess the situation in Myanmar to be safe, Malaysia has a responsibility to ensure that no lives are put at risk under our watch.
"It is critical for Malaysia to show leadership to seek a resolution to the crisis and restore democracy in Myanmar. The stability and prosperity of our close neighbour Myanmar is in the best interest of the Asean region," they said. - Mkini

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