MALAYSIA should take moral responsibility and ensure the fundamental rights of refugees residing here are recognised, said Umno vice-president Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

In conjunction with World Refugee Day, the former Johor menteri besar said refugees should have access to education, healthcare, and the freedom to move about safely, describing these as “fundamental” human rights.

“Malaysia should take a moral responsibility to ensure that they (refugees) are treated with dignity and humanity,” he said in a Facebook post today.

“We are an Islamic country. This sacred religion teaches us to do good to fellow human beings regardless of status and origin.

“In conjunction with World Refugee Day, I call on the Malaysian government to take principled and humane measures in accordance with our position as a nation.

“Islam exemplifies the recognition of the fundamental rights of refugees in our country,” he added.

Although the call comes from an Umno top gun, the party has been rather silent on the matter throughout its reign in government.

Khaled pointed out that there are around 100 million refugees worldwide, most of them victims of armed conflict and war.

He said although Malaysia is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, it does not mean the government is free of moral responsibility to protect and ensure safety for refugees in this country.

Khaled added that Malaysia has long proven its principles of humanity and human values through its previous actions and policies that provide protection and ensure the safety of conflict victims.

“Refugees are not illegal immigrants. They are victims of circumstance.

“They had to flee to our country because they wanted to find a safe place and shelter before being placed in a recipient country to start a new life.

“They are the ones who are forced to leave their homeland and their families without a choice.

“In fact, most of the refugees seeking refuge in Malaysia are Muslims from Syria, Myanmar, Iraq and Afghanistan. All of them are war refugees who stand no chance to return home safely,” he said. – June 20, 2022.