Activists slam proposal to relocate refugees on island

 

An MP has proposed that refugees be relocated to an island to mitigate social and criminal issues.

PETALING JAYA: 

Two human rights activists have criticised an MP’s proposal to relocate refugees and asylum seekers to an island, as Malaysia continues to host the highest number of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees cardholders in Asean.

Adrian Pereira, executive director of North-South Initiative, compared the proposal to Australia’s offshore detention centres on Nauru Island, which had allegedly been used to detain asylum seekers for prolonged periods.

“We need to welcome them instead of putting them on islands. The move symbolically represents the concentration camps from the times of the Nazis,” he told FMT.

Pereira advocated for enhancing language and cultural programmes to help refugees integrate into Malaysian society and reduce the need for isolationist solutions.

He said initiatives such as Young Lives Malaysia’s media literacy workshops, English language boot camps, and the Crossroads programme can help refugees transition and integrate into the community.

On Nov 14, Tumpat MP Mumtaz Nawi suggested putting refugees and asylum seekers on an island to mitigate social and criminal issues.

However, security and international relations expert Mizan Aslam said the plan would only succeed if third countries were to accept them using Malaysia as a transit point.

Tenaganita head Glorene Das urged the government to “set a compassionate example” by creating a fair and humane system that ensures displaced individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

“These people are fleeing persecution, war and conflict, seeking safety and a chance to rebuild their lives.

“We should be asking ourselves why, with all our resources, we cannot extend the hand of solidarity and support to those in need,” she told FMT.

Glorene also said the government should explore alternatives such as allowing refugees to work and access education, which could help them contribute to the economy and reduce their dependence on aid.

Under the Immigration Act 1959, Malaysia does not formally recognise refugees and instead categorises them as illegal migrants.

As a result, they are not legally entitled to work and often take up casual jobs, which leaves them vulnerable to detention and deportation. - FMT