One Itsy Bitsy Positive Step In Recognising Refugees

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 I have been creating content about the plight of refugees and those displaced by conflict, politics, and other issues for many years. After all that I have seen and heard, I am convinced that nobody anywhere in the world would willingly leave their homes if they didn’t need to. 
So, I totally don’t agree with people who believe that refugees are in Malaysia to take advantage of our economy and security.
Well, in a way, they are coming here because of these two things, but it isn’t because they really want to. Many of these refugees come to our country because they are escaping environments that are extremely violent and dangerous.
They are not here just because they want to have some fun at KLCC, go partying in Bukit Bintang or go drinking in Bangsar.
Take for example the Rohingya, who have been running to Malaysia from Myanmar for many decades now. The situation back home for them is one of persecution, oppression, violence and death, as it is already well documented in the news media.
I, for one, have also covered issues surrounding the Rohingya and I can vouch that these things are happening.
Unfortunately, Malaysia is not a signatory of the 1951 Refugee Convention. This means that our country does not recognise refugees and when these people enter our border without the proper documents, they are considered undocumented and are breaking the law.
When caught, they can be imprisoned and also deported. For the Rohingya, this could mean being sent back to die.
Many activists and even a few politicians have been fighting hard to convince the government to sign the convention and to recognise refugees.
I would like to believe that I also fall under this group of people by way of the articles and documentaries that I have produced. It really isn’t that difficult for Malaysia to receive refugees because we are a fairly prosperous country that can contribute a little to help.
Welcome move
Right now, refugees in Malaysia do not have the legal right to work and those who are working are doing so illegally.
Therefore, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa’s announcement that the government is considering allowing refugees who are registered with the government and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to work is something that is very much welcomed.
Although this is far off from signing the convention, it is still a positive step.
It is a great move because it will allow the refugees to work properly without being taken advantage of due to their status. Then, at least they can subscribe to a bit of protection as workers and employees.
Allowing refugees to work legally also means that there is a positive injection of cash flow in the local economy and taxes can be collected. That is definitely a contribution towards the government and the people.
Even if they do send money back home, it shouldn’t be seen as taking from our economy. It will assist in the economy of their home country, which in turn works out well for the global economy.
Prejudice, racism, xenophobia
The myth that refugees will cause social problems and crime can also be debunked. Think about it. If they are allowed to work legally, then there would be no reason for them to be forced to commit petty crimes to survive.
The argument that taking in refugees will suck up our resources, take our jobs, and cause a drop in our salary scale due to a surge in human resources is all unfounded.
Most of these refugees will fill jobs that Malaysians think they are too good for anyway. So, let’s not pretend that they are actually thinking of their fellow Malaysians.
These arguments are just excuses for their own prejudice, racism, xenophobia and most probably selfishness as well. Malaysians really need to learn to be more empathetic and sympathetic.
According to Zaliha, this approval would only be finalised once all refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia are fully registered with the government.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha MustafaAt the moment, they are focusing on implementing the National Security Council Directive No 23: Policy and Mechanism for Managing Refugees and Asylum Seekers (2023 revision). It is the government’s framework of how they want to manage these people.
Although this is a positive step, it is but one single step. There will still be a long way to go before Malaysia has a proper system for the humane and ethical handling of refugees. But as they all say, a journey always starts with a single step.
Therefore, we should continue to push and pressure the government, and hopefully, more positive steps will be taken and we can speed up the entire journey. - Mkini
ZAN AZLEE is a writer, documentary filmmaker, journalist and academic. Visit fatbidin.com to view his work.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.

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