Migrants rather risk arrest in Malaysia than join Myanmar military

 

For two years, Thura (not his real name) lived in Malaysia despite the risk of getting caught by the authorities. Why?

The 21-year-old fled his home country, Myanmar, as he refused to serve in the military there, and is currently in Malaysia without any documentation.

Besides missing his friends back home, he also had to kiss his dream to be a doctor goodbye.

“Of course, I miss my village, my country, and my friends. I miss them every day. But I had no choice because I didn’t want to be a military personnel and kill civilians.

“I sacrificed my future by not attending university in Myanmar because I don’t want to be under the dictatorship regime,” he said.

Now, Thura and those who are in the same boat are seeking help from the Malaysian government to prevent them from being deported.

“I may live in Malaysia with uncertainty, but I would rather die or be in jail here instead of returning to live under the dictatorship.

“I hope the Malaysian government will allow us to stay here until the war is over. Then we will be happy to go back to Myanmar. It is our home after all,” he said.

Myanmar Ethnic Organisation (MEO) advocate James Bawi Thang Bik said since the Myanmar military coup in 2021, political and human rights activists, as well as those involved in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), have lived in constant danger.

They are at risk of Transnational Repression (TNR) by the Myanmar junta, he said, which targets dissidents living abroad.

Myanmar Ethnic Organisation advocate James Bawi Thang Bik (right) and executive director of Malaysian human rights NGO North-South Initiative, Adrian Pereira

He said the military also issued a conscription order, known as the People’s Military Service law, where up to 60,000 men and women will be called into mandatory military service annually.

“We were told that starting from mid-April this year, those working or studying abroad will not have their visas renewed to ensure their return to military service.

“This order raises concern that incidents of TNR could increase dramatically and force activists and those opposed to the military to face serious problems,” he added.

Rather M’sian arrest than Myanmar death

James insisted that it is illegal for the Myanmar military to stalk or kidnap victims to forcefully repatriate them.

“While Malaysia has not ratified the Refugee Convention, it should protect refugees under customary international law and under the international conventions and treaties to which it has signed.

“We appeal for dialogues with key stakeholders in the Malaysian government to establish a clear definition,” he added.

Citing the disappearance of Thuzar Maung in 2023, James said if the government continues to allow the Myanmar military to operate in the country illegally, it will undermine the Malaysian government’s power.

He added that if the government decides to block Myanmar refugees from entering, they will still find a way as the refugees are too afraid to live in their home country.

“In Myanmar, they will be killed. But here, they will be arrested. So their choice is either to be killed or to be arrested, they rather get arrested.

“Therefore, we appeal to the Malaysian government to look into the issue on humanitarian grounds,” he said.

Act ethically, stop double standards

Executive director of Malaysian human rights NGO North-South Initiative, Adrian Pereira, said the Malaysian government must do the right thing as it will not only impact the lives of helpless migrants but also the country’s economy.

“Just because they have not signed (ratified the Refugee Convention), doesn’t mean we cannot do anything.

“If Malaysia doesn’t show the right ethical grounding, we are not just losing the world community but also business. Investors will say goodbye,” he added.

Expressing the same views, Emilie Palamy Pradchit, founder of regional human rights NGO Manushya Foundation, also demanded solidarity with Myanmar and Rohingya refugees.

Emilie Palamy Pradchit, founder of regional human rights NGO Manushya Foundation

“How can a country claim solidarity against the genocide happening in Palestine but (have) double standard against the Islamic Rohingya?” she questioned.

“The Rohingya also need support. There is a lot of hate speech going on against them by influencers on social media. The media should report them, denounce the hate speech, and hold those responsible accountable,” she added.