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 […]
UNHCR
Triumphant Samy Vellu
Translation by Sharmila Valli NarayananFOR the week between 23 and 29 March 2009, Tamil papers highlighted the victory of Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu as the MIC president for a record 11th term. The Tamil dailies also reported a case of police brutality in Perak, and gave an insight into the plight of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in Malaysia. […]
Abolish ISA among UNHCR recommendations
By Zedeck SiewPETALING JAYA, 12 Feb 2009: An international panel has urged Malaysia to abolish the Internal Security Act (ISA) and establish an independent oversight mechanism for police conduct. In the inaugural review of Malaysia’s human rights report card, the United Nations Human Rights Council panel in its draft report also recommended that the Human Rights Commission […]
Proposal to let Myanmarese refugees work
By Elizabeth LooiRefugees 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 […]
