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COMMENT | Rohingya in Malaysia: Finding a balanced path forward
Reflecting broader trends in Malaysian politics, Malaysian politicians are aligning themselves with anti-Rohingya rhetoric, utilising the issue to signal alignment with public grievances and assert their party’s ongoing significance, or to appeal to popular sentiment, or to demonstrate their party’s political relevance.
Meanwhile, Change.org has removed a petition demanding the removal of Rohingya refugees from Malaysia following sharp criticism from civil society organisations, who flagged the initiative as a hate campaign.
Before its removal for review, the petition - widely believed to have originated locally - had amassed over 424,000 signatures as of June 8.
Public friction intensified following reports of...
COMMENT | Perhaps many Malaysians are not fully aware that The Gambia has filed a lawsuit against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice under the Genocide Convention, alleging genocide against the Rohingya population in Rakhine State.
Reflecting broader trends in Malaysian politics, Malaysian politicians are aligning themselves with anti-Rohingya rhetoric, utilising the issue to signal alignment with public grievances and assert their party’s ongoing significance, or to appeal to popular sentiment, or to demonstrate their party’s political relevance.
Meanwhile, Change.org has removed a petition demanding the removal of Rohingya refugees from Malaysia following sharp criticism from civil society organisations, who flagged the initiative as a hate campaign.
Before its removal for review, the petition - widely believed to have originated locally - had amassed over 424,000 signatures as of June 8.
Public friction intensified following reports of an unauthorised residential structure allegedly constructed by refugees on private land in Sungai Tekali, Hulu Langat.
NGO leaders note that xenophobic campaigns targeting Rohingya and migrant communities are a recurring issue in Malaysia.
Similar community frictions were documented in 2021, driven by residents’ concerns regarding migrants occupying housing complexes and dominating marketplace jobs.
Sadly speaking, the Rohingya community faces significant social integration challenges.
Despite the prominent integration difficulties observed within the Rohingya populace, it is important to remember that they have endured years of systemic oppression under an authoritarian regime. Their history is defined by prolonged persecution.
As Malaysians, we must ensure our actions do not add to their suffering. Malaysia’s domestic policy mustn’t inadvertently mirror the hostility they fled.
Proactive state engagement is highly necessary to achieve a constructive, balanced outcome for both citizens and refugees. Hence, the government - in my view - should directly engage with the community to establish a mutually beneficial solution.
HANIPA MAIDIN is a former deputy minister of law.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
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