Myanmars seek refuge in temple after the recent spate of murders

GEORGE TOWN: In the wake of the murders involving their compatriots in the state, some fearful Myanmar nationals have turned to a Buddhist temple here for shelter, just as talk of a locally-based Myanmar mastermind surfaced. The allegation was, however, dismissed by a Myanmar non-governmental organisation (NGO).

Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple chief priest Ven Sayadaw U Panna Vamsa said he had allowed some of these people, who felt threatened, to spend a few days in the temple.

“Lay Buddhists cannot live here. But out of compassion, I have allowed them a respite here before they decide on their next move.”

Vamsa urged the Government to extend protection to anyone in need following the murders of 20 Myanmars – all males and many in a gruesome manner – in the state this year. The latest involved a construction worker who was found with his throat slit in Jarak Atas, Tasek Gelugor, on Monday.

“I hope Malaysians can understand that the Myanmar people are here to contribute to the labour force and earn a living,” said Vamsa, who has been the temple’s chief priest since 1972.

He added that he had been approached by both the Immigration Department and police to mediate between the authorities and his compatriots.

“I have even gone to Penang jail to speak with Myanmar nationals,” he said.

Meanwhile, a source in the local Myanmar community believed that the killings in Penang were being instigated by a wealthy Myanmar businessman from Meiktila now staying in Malaysia.

Meiktila, a city in central Myanmar, saw violent clashes between Buddhist and Muslim groups last year.

“He has extreme views and wants to take revenge over what has happened in our homeland,” the source claimed.

The source added that the businessman had run to Malaysia for refuge after suffering huge losses during the Meiktila riots.

Myanmar Ethnic Rohingyas Human Rights Organisation Malaysia president Zafar Ahmad Abdul Ghani said the slayings were most likely due to personal issues rather than a carry-on effect of inter-ethnic violence back home.

“I urge Myanmar nationals currently living in Malaysia, be they Buddhist or Muslim, to keep calm and live in harmony.

“We are only here temporarily and we definitely wish to go back to our country.

“It doesn’t matter if you have a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees card or not; if you commit a crime in Malaysia, you will be charged under the Malaysian laws,” he said.

In Alor Setar, acting Kedah police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Zakaria Yusof said murder cases of Myanmar nationals in Kedah have decreased.

“There were only four murder cases involving Myanmar nationals from January to October, compared to six cases in the same period last year.

“All the cases were not related to gang rivalry or racial tension but were isolated cases such as quarrelling, jealousy and disagreements,” he said when contacted yesterday.