Why Is Mkn S Directive On Refugees Kept Confidential Asks Suhakam

---

 
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia has called for transparency over the National Security Council’s ‘Directive No 23’ on managing refugees and asylum seekers. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has raised concerns over the secrecy surrounding a National Security Council (MKN) directive about the management of refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia.
Suhakam said policies impacting public interest should always be made public, adding that the directive, approved in June 2023, remained a confidential document.
It added that making such policies available to the public was crucial to ensure people, including refugees, were aware of their rights.
“We are perplexed by this secrecy. What is the rationale? Good governance and the principle of transparency dictate that the government must be transparent in this matter,” it said in a statement.
Federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said last week that the order, known as MKN Directive No 23, outlined the government’s framework for managing refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia.
She said the directive also defined the roles and responsibilities of the relevant government agencies involved in this process.
Putrajaya is in the midst of refining a framework to allow refugees registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to work legally in Malaysia. The government is also looking to provide social assistance to registered refugees.
Suhakam described this step as positive, yet insufficient, saying Putrajaya needed to look at giving refugees easier access to medical facilities and allow their children to attend public schools.
“Short-term policies, while providing immediate relief albeit limited in nature, must be followed by a comprehensive legal framework to ensure sustainable and rights-based solutions for refugees,” it added.
The commission also said refugees who hold UNHCR cards were still categorised as “illegal immigrants”, leaving them vulnerable to enforcement agencies.
Suhakam urged the government to enact a Refugee and Asylum Act and ratify the 1951 Refugee Convention swiftly to provide for a more sustainable and rights-based solution for refugees.
These steps will allow genuine refugees and asylum seekers to live with dignity, access medical care and send their children to school, it said.
The commission also asked to be included in the government committee formed under the MKN to oversee the welfare of refugees here.
“Suhakam is prepared to engage in constructive dialogue with all relevant parties to ensure Malaysia moves towards a permanent, structured and rights-based framework for refugee protection and integration.” - FMT

---