Balanced refugee policy needed to address security, humanitarian concerns, says S’gor MB

 Amirudin Shari says any action taken solely based on emotions without being guided by a balanced policy could tarnish Malaysia’s image internationally.

Selangor menteri besar Amirudin Shari said a balanced policy was important to prevent any action on refugee issues being taken drastically or based on emotions.

GOMBAK:

A clear and comprehensive policy on refugee issues needs to be established to ensure that national security concerns are balanced with humanitarian considerations, says Selangor menteri besar Amirudin Shari.

He said such a policy was important to prevent any action on refugee issues being taken drastically or based on emotions, particularly following the increase in the number of refugees in the country, which has also placed certain pressures on society and the government.

“The calls being made now need to be carefully considered because we do not want to merely provide protection.

“Also, we are burdened by the large number of refugees. However, we need a clear policy that takes into account humanitarian considerations,” he told reporters after attending a youth event here today.

Amirudin said this when commenting on the issue of Rohingya refugees, which has recently gone viral on social media, particularly involving areas around Selayang.

He, however, clarified that some of the locations featured on social media are under the administration of the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur and not within Selangor’s administrative jurisdiction.

He said any action taken solely based on emotions without being guided by a balanced policy could tarnish Malaysia’s image internationally.

“Does the government want to close its doors to everyone? Would that mean refugees from around the world, including Syrian refugees and refugees from Gaza, would also not be allowed?

“So, we cannot simply act based on the feelings or mood of certain people and end up being cruel,” he said.

Amirudin added that the authorities remained firm in taking action against any violations of the law committed by refugees or foreigners, including running businesses without licences and illegally occupying residential premises.

“Those involved in crime will certainly face action. They cannot be involved in activities such as owning businesses. If there are cases of illegal occupation of residential premises, we will take action,” he said. - FMT