‘M’sia has always treated refugees well’
Saifuddin defends Govt’s handling of those seeking shelter in the country
NEW YORK: The Government has strongly defended its handling of the more than 160,000 refugees seeking shelter in the country, saying that they have access among others, to medical treatment.
Refugees can also access education services in Malaysia through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, NGOs and refugee communities.
Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said the refugees could access medical treatment at government healthcare facilities across Malaysia.
He said those carrying certain communicable diseases were exempted from being charged treatment fees at these government facilities.
“The burden and responsibility to tackle refugee problems, however, must be equally shared between governments of the source and receiving countries.
“It cannot and should not be the responsibility of solely just one side.
“Policies and measures at the global level must meet the needs of all parties as well as be formulated and implemented with effective participation from all sides,” Saifuddin said during the High Level Event on the Global Compact for Refugees (GCR) at United Nations headquarters here yesterday.
Saifuddin is here to accompany Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who is scheduled to arrive today for a fiveday working visit including attending the 73rd UN General Assembly.
As of Aug 31, Malaysia hosts 161,146 asylum seekers and refugees from 59 countries.
Saifuddin also said Malaysia would continue to improve its migration governance while ensuring its sovereignty, integrity and security concerns were not compromised.
Governments, he said, have the main responsibility but often cannot act alone to tackle the problem.
“The protection of refugees and their welfare require a multifaceted approach, whereby the active participation of civil society and private sectors are important elements,” added Saifuddin.
“The GCR is a legally nonbinding international agreement by UN member countries that will outline specific measures to improve the lives of refugees and their host communities.”
The global compact is expected to be formally adopted by the UN General Assembly by the end of this year.
Later, at a highlevel plenary meeting on global peace in honour of South Africa’s former leader Nelson Mandela, Saifuddin paid tribute to the legacy of the antiapartheid hero.
“Malaysia and the world remember the late Mandela for his struggle and personal sacrifice in championing human rights for his people and for striving for global peace,” said Saifuddin.
“Our country has recently concluded its 14th General Election where, just as the historic South African election in 1994, a new government has been empowered through the voice of the people.”