# Myanmar government rejects use of term ‘Rohingya’ in CNA programme, says Rohingya ‘never existed’ as an ethnic identity

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/myanmar-government-rejects-use-of-term-rohingya-in-cna-programme-says-rohingya-never-existed-as-an-ethnic-identity/
- Published: 2026-11-04T05:24:24+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-06T04:55:45+00:00
- Original publisher: CNA (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/myanmar-rohingya-refugees-malaysia-6512691
- Topics: Government, Politics, World

## Key points

- Myanmar rejects “Rohingya” as an ethnic identity.
- CNA defends its terminology and reporting.
- The programme examined refugees’ situation in Malaysia.

## Summary

Myanmar’s military government has objected to a CNA programme about Rohingya refugees in Malaysia, rejecting “Rohingya” as an ethnic identity and calling the term unacceptable. CNA says it stands by its reporting, explaining that it used the name in line with established international usage and included the Myanmar government’s position.

The programme, “Malaysia’s Rohingya Riddle”, aired on Oct 15 and examined tensions between humanitarian concerns and national interests as hostility towards Rohingya refugees rises in Malaysia. Myanmar’s statement cited colonial-era census records and said 8,041 nationals were repatriated by air and 1,476 by navy vessels; it also accused the programme of politically motivated propaganda. CNA said the documentary did not overlook or misrepresent Myanmar’s position.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.