Mahathir Mohamad urges Myanmar to recognize Rohingya citizenship, calling it essential for lasting peace

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has renewed his call for Myanmar to recognize the Rohingya as its citizens, arguing that legal recognition is fundamental to resolving the protracted Rohingya crisis and achieving lasting peace in the country.

“Myanmar should recognize the Rohingya as its citizens. The Rohingya have lived in the region for about 800 years,” Mahathir Mohamad said.

Citizenship at the Center of the Rohingya Crisis

The Rohingya, a predominantly Muslim ethnic community from Myanmar’s Rakhine (Arakan) State, have lived in the region for generations and have maintained their own language, culture and traditions. Despite their longstanding presence, Myanmar has denied them citizenship under its existing legal framework, leaving many without formal legal status.

Human rights advocates and international organizations have repeatedly identified the lack of citizenship as one of the root causes of the Rohingya crisis. Without legal recognition, many Rohingya have faced restrictions on freedom of movement, limited access to education and healthcare, and barriers to employment and public services.

Displacement and Calls for Legal Recognition

Years of conflict, violence and repeated displacement have forced hundreds of thousands of Rohingya to flee Myanmar, with the majority seeking refuge in neighboring Bangladesh while others have moved to countries across Southeast Asia.

Advocates argue that citizenship is a fundamental human right rather than a political concession, emphasizing that durable solutions to the crisis require equal rights, legal protection and security for all communities in Myanmar.

They also say that the voluntary, safe and dignified return of displaced Rohingya depends on guarantees of citizenship, protection under the law and equal treatment.

A Call for Justice and Equality

Mahathir’s remarks add to longstanding international calls for a rights-based solution to the Rohingya crisis.

Human rights groups and humanitarian organizations have consistently stressed that sustainable peace in Myanmar requires respect for human dignity, accountability and equal rights for all ethnic communities.

Observers note that addressing decades of marginalization and ensuring legal recognition remain central to any long-term political settlement and to creating conditions that would allow displaced Rohingya to return to their homeland in safety and dignity.