How did Malaysia leverage bilateral ties for this refugee agreement?

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Malaysia Leverages Bilateral Relations for Rohingya Refugee Repatriation Agreement

Malaysia has secured an agreement with Myanmar for the repatriation of approximately 5,000 Rohingya refugees currently residing in Malaysia. This development was facilitated through the cultivation of strong bilateral relations between the two nations, a significant achievement given Myanmar's previous reluctance to accept these individuals. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim highlighted that this breakthrough was made possible by the improved diplomatic ties.
Previous Unwillingness of Myanmar

Previously, Myanmar had been unwilling to accept the Rohingya refugees from Malaysia. This stance presented a significant hurdle in addressing the refugee situation within Malaysia. The Prime Minister noted that the question of where to send the refugees back to was a pertinent one, underscoring the difficulty of previous attempts at repatriation.
Role of Strong Bilateral Relations

The agreement to accept the 5,000 Rohingya refugees was directly attributed to the positive relationship between Malaysia and Myanmar. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that the existing good relations were instrumental in convincing Myanmar to agree to the repatriation plan. This diplomatic progress allowed for a resolution that had previously been elusive.
Context of Refugee Presence in Malaysia

This development occurs amidst ongoing discussions and actions concerning the Rohingya population in Malaysia. Recently, hundreds of Rohingya refugees were observed gathering outside the UNHCR office in Kuala Lumpur, having travelled from Penang. The government has maintained a firm stance on public order, with the Prime Minister indicating that any disruption or attempt to take over areas would not be tolerated, and that refugees must not disturb public order by gathering in public spaces.

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How did Malaysia leverage bilateral ties for this refugee agreement?

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