Syed Saddiq Warns Rohingya Issue Could Become a ‘Nuclear Bomb’ If Left Unresolved

Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has warned that Malaysia’s Rohingya refugee issue could become a “nuclear bomb” with wider political and security implications if it continues without a firm solution.

He said Malaysia should not be left to deal with the issue alone as the number of Rohingya refugees in the country continues to increase.

Syed Saddiq Calls for Bipartisan Solution to Malaysia’s Rohingya Refugee Challenge

Syed Saddiq said developed countries that had previously pledged to assist with refugee resettlement had not accepted sufficient numbers.

He pointed to Indonesia, Thailand and India as examples, arguing that Malaysia has been left to absorb a disproportionate share of the responsibility. He also warned that allowing uncontrolled arrivals could provide incentives for human trafficking syndicates. 

He proposed a special bipartisan parliamentary committee to develop a long-term solution and prevent the issue from becoming a political tool.

Syed Saddiq also urged the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and Royal Malaysian Navy to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards uncontrolled maritime arrivals, while maintaining a humanitarian approach towards refugees already in the country.