Asylum Access Malaysia is deeply troubled by the escalating hostility directed at Rohingya refugees in Malaysia in recent weeks – from a viral petition calling for their removal to videos of children being chased, threatened and physically assaulted in the streets.
We recognise that real social cohesion concerns exist on the ground, and that these conversations matter.
But frustration over genuine issues can never justify what we are now seeing, with people emboldening one another toward open hostility and violence, especially against children. Whatever the grievance, this is not the way.
The Rohingya did not come to Malaysia by choice. They fled genocide and statelessness in Myanmar, seeking only safety here in Malaysia.
The rhetoric circulating online does not reflect the people we work with every day and live among us as our neighbours.
Instead, it reflects a dangerous distortion designed to justify cruelty toward some of the most vulnerable people among us.
We call on Malaysians to reject hateful rhetoric and refuse to amplify it. We call on online platforms to act against content inciting hatred or violence, and on leaders to continue speaking out against xenophobia.
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Asylum Access Malaysia stands in solidarity with Rohingya refugees and all refugee communities here. This is a moment for calm heads and open hearts – qualities that make us Malaysian. – Asylum Access Malaysia, 14 June
The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
Before we condemn and incite hatred against a community of foreign nationals, we need to ask ourselves how have we betrayed our own citizens along racial, religious and status parameters or even stolen from Malaysians? We need to ask how have we blatantly broken laws on our roadways, in business, at work,at school.