MCA Beliawanis (Wanita MCA Young Women Bureau) chief Ivone Low Yi Wen has made some pointed remarks about refugee children, labelling them “provocative, arrogant and ungrateful” despite them being kindly treated by Malaysians.
Low's remarks come after a video circulating on social media showing children, believed to be refugees, knocking on car doors to demand money – which courted xenophobic reactions.
“In the viral videos shared on social media, the kids were shown loitering and knocking on random car windows, as well as expressing spite and ire when their demands for donations were not met.
“...Such provocative, arrogant, and ungrateful attitude shown by these children has made Malaysians lose sympathy for them.
“Once, Malaysians could still sympathise (with) their misfortunes and offer encouragement and support to shelter them. However, is this how they respond in kind?
“Have Malaysians been too kind to them, that they are now contemptuous of the assistance we have given?” she said in a statement today.
Low also referred to another video where a group of children had purportedly harassed a lady, with one allegedly pulling the lady’s hand as well as “shouting back” and “acting like a gangster”.
She added that their “aggressive behaviour” was worrying and called on the government to take action before Malaysians themselves ‘take matters into their own hands”.
“Their (the refugees) aggressive behaviour has become more and more worrying.
“If they are bold enough to harass random public citizens now, what will they become if left unchecked? The people have also called for the government to take action before Malaysians themselves take matters into their own hands as they do not feel safe in their own country.
“As Malaysians, we want peace and safety in our own homeland. If we are getting harassed and assaulted even within the country’s borders, can we still regard Malaysia as a safe and harmonious nation?” Low said.
On Wednesday, Pengerang MP Azalina Othman Said addressed the same video but held a completely different viewpoint from Low.
Children should not be blamed
Azalina claimed that the children should not be blamed for their actions as the country failed to prevent them from being used as beggars.
She also pointed out that Section 32 of the Child Act provides a fine of up to RM5,000 or up to two years' imprisonment or both for anyone who uses children for begging or illegal activities.
The same punishment is provided under Section 33 of the Act for leaving children without reasonable supervision.
Low proposed an action plan to be considered by the government in handling the matter, namely reviewing the need for agencies to offer appropriate job opportunities for refugees, as well as to establish a task force to monitor the refugee movement to ensure safety among Malaysians.
Assertive stance
She also suggested an inquiry system to be established for members of the public to “complain” or ask about affairs pertaining to refugees in Malaysia.
“We must take a more assertive stance towards the refugees. Even if the authorities capture and detain these refugees, it is just a short-term measure.
“When they are released, there is no guarantee that they will not instantly relapse and return to causing trouble,” Low added. - Mkini
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