UK rights group voices concern over hate speech against Rohingya in Malaysia

The Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK (Brouk) has expressed its deep concern about online hate speech directed towards Rohingya refugees living in Malaysia.

"We appeal to the Malaysian government to condemn hateful comments against the Rohingya, to hold those responsible to account and to stand in solidarity and compassion with refugees," it said in a statement today.

Brouk expressed its deep gratitude towards the Malaysian authorities and Malaysian people for hosting tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees for decades and their strong political support for the Rohingya in the face of the ongoing genocide in Myanmar.

"Authorities in Myanmar have subjected the Rohingya to genocide for decades, and these inhuman conditions have driven Rohingya to flee to other countries, including Malaysia, to seek safety, shelter and dignified life," it said.

However, it noted with deep concern how hate speech has grown substantially against Rohingya refugees in Malaysia on online platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

"These developments appear to have in part been sparked by rumours that Rohingya have been ignoring lockdown orders to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

Brouk went on to urge all Rohingya in Malaysia to strictly follow the rule of law in Malaysia, including restrictions during the pandemic.

There has been a surge in anti-Rohingya comments on social media in Malaysia recently after authorities prevented boats ferrying Rohingya refugees from landing on the Malaysian shore recently.

This action invited criticism from many parties, including Amnesty International, which lambasted the authorities for barring the refugees from the country.

The situation escalated following the circulation of a fake video and social media post misrepresenting Myanmar Ethnic Rohingya Human Rights Organisation Malaysia (Merhrom) president Zafar Ahmad Abdul Ghani as calling the Malays “stupid”, demanding equal rights and Malaysian citizenship for Rohingya refugees.

Zafar was forced to deactivate his Facebook due to threats and verbal abuse.

Brouk appealed to the Malaysian government, including Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, to condemn hate speech and other forms of abuse against the Rohingya.

"It is furthermore important to clarify that Rohingya are not asking for citizenship in Malaysia - we are only seeking protection until it is safe to go back to our home country, Myanmar," it added.

Approximately 100,000 Rohingya are currently registered with UNHCR in Malaysia, it said.

"Generations of Rohingya have found safety in Malaysia, and we deeply appreciate the strong bonds between Rohingya and Malaysian people, families and communities that have been built up for decades.

"While most regional Southeast Asian governments have remained silent, Malaysia has shown courage and leadership by condemning the ongoing genocide.

"We appeal to the current government to continue to show the same compassion and solidarity towards Rohingya, and ensure that the current wave of hate speech and other forms of abuse do not escalate further," it added. - Mkini