PUTRAJAYA must ensure the safety and status of refugees in Malaysia before it shuts down the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office in the country, former Alliance of Chin Refugees chairman James Bawi said.

“It is crucial that the rights of refugees are protected in accordance with international guidelines.

“For example during the Covid-19 pandemic, the refugees were caught and detained. They were traumatised by the Immigration Department, the threat of being deported ,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Last month, National Security Council (NSC) director-general Rodzi Md Saad suggested that the UNHCR leave Malaysia so the government can manage refugees without “interference” from external agencies.

Rodzi said that the NSC would need to be strengthened before this could happen.

“It is difficult to trust the government as they are not part of the Refugees Convention 1951. It will be a sad day if UNCHR is closed and it might give Malaysia a bad name.

“The fact is that they (refugees) can’t go back to their country, so they rather suffer here.”

He said since February 2021 there are about 50,000 Chin refugees here and they expect about another 20,000 by year end but there is no conclusive data.

According to UNHCR, as of end February 2022, there were 181,800 refugees and asylum seekers registered with UNHCR in Malaysia.

UNHCR said 86% of asylum seekers are from Myanmar, while the remaining are 25,990 refugees and asylum seekers from 50 countries fleeing war and persecution, including from Pakistan, Yemen, Syria, Somalia, Afghanistan and others.

On whether the refugees will come out if the government starts a programme to process them, James said it will be difficult because Malaysia does not recognise the status of refugees (internationally).

“They (government) have to comply with some guidelines for the safety of refugees. These people (refugees) need some kind of protection and assurance.”

He said if Malaysia plans to register refugees,it must be on trust and not coercion.

“Firstly they have to come out with policies to show the civil society group (for refugees) that the refugees’ safety will be protected.

“If the government comes up with the guidelines they will be more safer because UNCHR has international guidelines for refugees.”

On October 8, Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah had said the proposal to close the UNHCR office  will not lead to a severance of ties with the international body.

He said existing ties would be preserved as under international relations, UNHCR was still relevant with its expertise in managing refugees that is still needed by Malaysia.

“What is happening is a proposal for transition for the Malaysian government to have its own card to be used by refugees and asylum seekers coming to Malaysia.”

Refugee Sung Za, 35 who fled Myanmar in July said that had already registered with UNHCR.

“I prefer going to UNHCR because it is much safer. I have fled my country and fear deportation by the government if the UNHCR office is closed because then I won’t be able to obtain my refugee card.

“Coming here I was afraid of immigration so the fear of the government is also there.”

Another refugee Johan, 24 said that the fear of deportation is what’s preventing them from going to the government.

“With UNHCR I won’t have to worry about this. I’m undecided if the government starts a programme to register refugees. I will have to wait and see what guidelines they have.”

Another refugee who declined to be named said that she finds it difficult to trust the government.

“We don’t want to be sent back to face the government there.” – October 24, 2022.