Don't dismiss refugee concerns as xenophobia, says PKR leader

 

A PKR leader has urged policymakers and rights groups not to dismiss public concerns over refugees as xenophobia.

Arguing that effective governance and accountability are essential to maintaining public trust, Kepong PKR deputy chief Jeremy Ang said the recent rise in anti-refugee sentiment should be understood in the context of growing public unease over the management of refugee communities in Malaysia.

“While racist and hateful comments should be unequivocally condemned, it would be a mistake to dismiss all public concerns as xenophobia.

“As a former United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) staff, I believe refugees deserve basic human rights. 

“However, these rights must be accompanied by accountability, compliance with local laws, and effective oversight,” he said in a statement today.

Ang explained that there was public resentment over refugees due to a perception that UNHCR cardholders are “immune” to enforcement actions.

He stressed that while UNHCR’s intervention in detentions and arrests did not constitute a guarantee of release or confer legal immunity, the growth of refugee communities in areas such as Kepong has led to Malaysians feeling there is no framework to manage their presence.

Rising trend of hatred, dehumanisation

Yesterday, Suhakam released a statement expressing concern over the recent escalating hatred and dehumanisation of Rohingya refugees in Malaysia.

The human rights commission pointed out that the refugees have fled persecution after facing discrimination, statelessness, forced displacement, and mass atrocities in Myanmar.

This comes amidst misinformation against Rohingya refugees circulating on social media.

This includes by Nurulhidayah, the daughter of Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, sharing a poster claiming that a Rohingya community leader requested the use of Selayang as a settlement.

Govt working to address issues

Commenting further, Ang said efforts to address refugee issues through policy are underway, referring to the Home Ministry addressing refugees in the informal work sector.

The government has also continuously engaged with the UNHCR on broader refugee issues, he added.

“However, a key challenge remains the fragmented nature of refugee organisations and community groups, many of which lack unified communication channels with the government and UNHCR.

“This makes it difficult to address grievances, resolve disputes, and build trust between refugee and local communities,” he said.

He urged refugee community leaders and organisations to engage constructively with both authorities and UNHCR through established channels. - Mkini