KUALA LUMPUR: The government is inviting academics, civil society activists, think tanks, legal practitioners, security experts and other stakeholders to submit proposals on refugee management in Malaysia, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He said the issue had long been a legacy challenge inherited by successive administrations but stressed that the government would not use that as an excuse to avoid taking action.
“The Madani government has chosen to manage this issue responsibly, prudently and based on facts,” he said in a Facebook post yesterday.
Saifuddin Nasution said the government’s priority remained clear, i.e. safeguarding national security and public safety while taking into account the humanitarian realities surrounding refugees in the country.
“One of the biggest challenges faced by the government is the lack of complete, accurate and government-owned data on individuals categorised as refugees.
“We are currently undertaking a more comprehensive effort to collect data and biometric information on refugees.
“We cannot manage what we do not know.
“We cannot protect national security without knowing exactly who is within our borders.”
He said accurate data would enable the government to address a range of issues more effectively, including those related to security, law enforcement, public health, employment and the well-being of local communities.
At the same time, he stressed that refugee status does not grant immunity from Malaysian laws.
“Any individual who commits a criminal offence or violates the country’s laws will still face enforcement action and the due legal process.”
Saifuddin Nasution said the government would neither protect criminals nor compromise on matters involving national security.
“What we are doing is ensuring that the government has better capacity to manage a reality that has existed in the country for a long time.
“The objective is not to protect refugees, but to protect national interests, the safety of the people and public order,” he said, expressing confidence that Malaysians would be able to discuss the issue in a mature, rational and responsible manner for the benefit of the country.
