Shut down UNHCR office in Malaysia, says security DG

 

National security director-general Rodzi Md Saad slammed the UN agency for issuing UNHCR cards without first consulting the authorities, saying this was disrespectful. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: National security director-general Rodzi Md Saad has suggested shutting down the United Nations High Commission for Refugees’ (UNHCR) office in Malaysia.

According to a Harian Metro report, Rodzi, who heads the national security council (MKN), said this would allow Putrajaya to manage refugees in the country better without “interference” from external influences.

However, he acknowledged that this could not be done anytime soon as the MKN would need to be strengthened.

Rodzi said the MKN was still looking at a suitable mechanism to manage refugees in Malaysia, adding that there was no timeline yet on its implementation.

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“A draft plan is ready so that we can manage undocumented migrants and refugees in our country without foreign interference,” he told a press conference.

“But as long as we don’t have good management, we will not be able to implement it.”

Rodzi claimed that undocumented migrants were “attracted” to Malaysia as they could receive protection from the UN agency, which he added could issue UNHCR cards without having to check with the authorities.

“This is unfair for us (Malaysians). When the UNHCR does not refer to the authorities beforehand, it’s as though they’re disrespecting the country.”

This, he said, was another reason why Putrajaya was better off managing refugees through its own system, adding that this could be managed by MKN and other enforcement agencies.

Rodzi added that a ministry-level committee chaired by defence minister Hishammuddin Hussein could manage the system. - FMT