It is laudable that the Malaysian government has accorded refugee status to the Rohingyas . But I have several queries in relation to this new development.

Malaysia has decided to recognise only Rohingyas as refugees. As the status to be accorded is a refugee status, why are non-Muslim refugees discriminated against?

As refugees in Malaysia, is Malaysia considering offering the Rohingyas citizenship other than repatriating them to third countries? If they are given citizenship or permanent residency at some point, are Muslim Rohingyas bumiputeras? They are not ethnic Malays, but they are Muslims and in time may adopt Malay customs.

Perhaps parliamentarians might also like to ask Minister in charge of Parliamentary Affairs Nazri Abdul Aziz as to how many ethnic Malays from the region are given citizenship and granted a bumiputera status.

The citizenship provisions in the Constitution allow those born outside Malaysia to become citizens if one of their parents is born in Malaysia. If these applicants are Malays, they become bumiputera upon naturalisation.

Have there been cases where ethnic Malays who do not fulfill the constitutional citizenship provisions are granted bumiputera status as well?