MYANMAR activists based in Malaysia are fearful they could be the next victims of abductions by unknown persons.

This fear stems from the recent alleged abduction of Myanmar refugee activist Thuzar Maung and her family from their Ampang Jaya residence on July 4.

They said the unexplained disappearance of Thuzar, 46, her husband Saw Than Tin Win, 43, and their three children has not only caused fear among activists but also among Myanmar citizens in Malaysia.

“We could also be victims of kidnapping if the Malaysian authorities do not track down and arrest the suspects who kidnapped Thuzar and her family,” said an activist from the Chin community, James Bawi.

“Thuzar is really vocal in fighting for our fate and because she is a United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees (UNHCR) card holder, we were never worried about her safety.

“But when the abduction was carried out in a planned and meticulous manner, and with the Malaysian authorities being unable to locate their whereabouts, it is indeed something quite troubling,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

He said his fellow activists were now even afraid to answer telephone calls from unknown numbers, including from journalists.

He added that they feared for their safety, especially those who are already married.

Another female activist who declined to be identified out of concern for her safety, said Thuzar’s open support for Myanmar’s shadow government of the National Unity Government (NUG) may be the reason why she and her family had been targeted.

“But this should not be the reason for her and her family to just ‘disappear’ like that. We are in Malaysia under the protection of the UNHCR.

“Why is it neither the Malaysian authorities nor the UNHCR have been able to detect anything? I am worried that I will be the next victim,” she said.

The activist said Thuzar was involved in helping the NUG with issues related to the rights and welfare of migrants.

She added this was nothing new as most activists played the same role for their communities living as refugees in Malaysia.

“She supports and works closely with NUG on this matter.

“The reason the abduction was only made public this late was because Thuzar’s friends requested it be kept secret until last week due to concerns that exposure by the media might harm her,” said the activist.

‘We are not safe here’

Another veteran activist from the Chin community who only wanted to be known only as Chia, said refugees were always worried about the risks of being deported.

He said the Myanmar embassy in Malaysia represents the National Administrative Council, which is a pro-junta government.

“But kidnapping involving UNHCR card holders is something new.

“I thought we are safe under UNHCR. Apparently the situation is still the same and we are threatened with danger wherever we are, in Myanmar or Malaysia,” said Chia, who has lived in Malaysia for 25 years.

Human Rights Watch reported on Monday that Thuzar, her husband as well as their children Aung Myint Maung, 21, Thukha Maung, 17, and Poeh Khing Maung, 16, were abducted by several unidentified men posing as policemen.

Thuzar is chairman of the Myanmar Muslim Refugee Community and Myanmar Migrant Workers Committee. She has 93,000 followers on Facebook – the platform she uses for activism and to criticise the Myanmar junta.

Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan told The Malaysian Insight that police investigations were underway on the case.

“Police have received a report on this matter. Following that, an investigation had been initiated under missing persons.

“Police have also requested the help of the Immigration Department to detect if they have moved out of Malaysia,” he said.

He refused to comment further on the details of the investigation.

Police also confirmed that the car used by the men did not belong to the authorities.

Grave concern

The UNHCR said it was gravely concerned by news of the reported abduction of Thuzar and her family.

“For protection and confidentiality reasons, UNHCR is not in a position to comment on details of individual cases, including to confirm their status.

“We refer all queries on the alleged abduction, including any ongoing investigations, to the relevant Malaysian law enforcement agencies.

“The UNHCR stands ready to offer our cooperation and assistance to the Malaysian authorities where appropriate and as needed to ensure that the incident is thoroughly investigated and to safeguard the family’s safety and security,” a UNHCR spokesman in Malaysia told The Malaysian Insight

Since mid-August 2020, Malaysian authorities have stepped up the process of repatriating political asylum seekers back to Myanmar, with more than 2,000 Myanmar nationals reported to have been deported, including defecting military personnel.

Malaysia is not a signatory to the Refugee Convention 1951. However, based on the principle of “non-refoulement”, refugees should not be sent back to countries where they face the risk of being prosecuted, tortured, ill-treated or denied their basic rights in any way. –  July 22, 2023.