​​​​​​THE public has been misled by claims that the government has spent millions on welfare assistance for refugees and asylum seekers, the National Human Rights Society said.

Its president, M. Ramachelvam, told The Malaysian Insight that Putrajaya does not provide any welfare or social assistance directly to refugees and asylum seekers in the country.

“The only assistance provided is a 50% discount on the rate for foreigners at government hospitals,” he said.

“The government also does not allow refugees and asylum seekers to legally work except in the informal sectors, and their children are not allowed to enrol in our schools.

“Therefore, it is highly misleading and inaccurate for the member of parliament to state that millions are spent on welfare assistance for refugees.”

Ramachelvam was commenting on Barisan Nasional (BN) lawmaker Mohd Isam Mohd Isa’s statement in the Dewan Rakyat where he claimed that Putrajaya had spent millions to provide welfare assistance for refugees and asylum seekers.

The BN backbencher said the government should use its funds for Malaysians rather than spending it on refugees.

“Do we need to bear the problems brought upon by these refugees and asylum seekers, such as the costs of welfare (aid) and detention depots, which run into millions annually?

“Those funds can be used for other purposes, such as helping locals affected by the pandemic,” Isam said during the Dewan Rakyat debate on Suhakam’s 2020 report.

Ramachelvam said there was no use stoking ill will and anti-refugee sentiment against those who are vulnerable in our society.

“Refugees and asylum seekers are persons who have been forced to leave their country to escape persecution, war or violence,” he said.

“We should treat them with compassion and dignity.”

He also urged the government to immediately allow the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees access to Immigration detention centres to identify refugees and asylum seekers who are held and to allow their release.

Fundamental right

Meanwhile, North South Initiative stressed that it is the responsibility of a government to ensure the safety and the well-being of its people, including refugees and asylum seekers living in the country.

Its executive director, Adrian Pereira, told The Malaysian Insight that money should not be an excuse for the government to ignore the plight of the refugees as there are many global programmes to support the community.

He said while many would regard refugees as a burden, the group had actually contributed to the country’s economy informally.

“From a human rights perspective, a government has a duty to ensure every person living within its borders is safe. This fundamental right applies to everyone,” he said.

“We should not look at refugees and asylum seekers as non-priority because we are global people. We don’t live in a vacuum.

“There are Malaysians seeking asylum in Australia, and the number is huge.

“The issue is not about the resources but our political will on how to help the refugees. They are also contributing informally by paying rent and Sales and Service Tax. They are not a burden to the economy.”

“Work that we refuse to do, is being done by this vulnerable group.”

Women for Refugees said health, economic and social impacts on refugee communities have spillover effects on the entire Malaysian community and economy, which will be carried forward for years to come if not addressed now.

It disagreed that directing funds only towards Malaysians, while ignoring the plights of other vulnerable groups, was the best way to improve the economy post-Covid.

“What Malaysia needs is a robust plan that addresses the impacts on all vulnerable communities,” it said.

“We cannot thrive as a country by turning a blind eye to those most in need.” – June 14, 2023.