IT was troubling to read Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein’s reasons for the release of eight immigration officers detained without trial under the Internal Security Act (ISA). Hishammuddin said he decided to release the eight, detained “in connection” with human trafficking activities, because they showed “remorse” over their mistakes. He also considered their wishes […]

REFUGEES have no official existence in Malaysia. This is because Malaysia, along with Libya, Saudi Arabia, Mongolia and most of our Southeast Asian neighbours, has yet to sign the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention. As a result, there is no legal distinction between refugees and economic migrants or undocumented workers. This is unjust as refugees […]

ON whichever side we may be on, it seems almost impossible not to be emotional about the Palestinian issue. The sources of these emotions may vary, from identification either with the Palestinian or Israeli side, or simply from the sheer frustration at the unjustness of the situation. What’s clear is that amidst the emotion, there is a lot of fuzziness about the real issues, and much inconsistency on principles.

THE plight of Burmese refugees is being highlighted in NO REFUGE: Burmese Refugees in Malaysia, an exhibition featuring the works of award-winning photojournalists Halim Berbar from France, Simon Wheatley (UK), Greg Constantine (USA), Zhuang Wubin (Singapore) and Rahman Roslan from Malaysia. The event is organised by The Annexe Gallery and human rights organisation Suaram. The […]

PETALING JAYA, 18 June 2009: The Malaysian government should stop denying that asylum seekers, refugees, stateless persons and undocumented migrants have been treated poorly, said Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram). Suaram coordinator Temme Lee described the government’s ongoing denial as “disturbing”. “The government should…start taking steps toward improving the human rights protection of this group,” Lee […]

Refugees are hiding out in jungles PETALING JAYA, 9 Dec 2008: Undocumented refugees from Myanmar who are hiding out in jungles in Selangor may be allowed to work legally in the state, if a proposal by Bukit Gasing state assemblyperson Edward Lee comes to fruition. “I will propose to the state government to allow them […]