By Chris Bishop
KUCHING, Nov 15: Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has urged concerned parties, including a group of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), not to be hasty in judging the Palestinian refugee issue but to take a measured and thoughtful approach instead.
He believes that any effort to bring refugees into Malaysia or Sarawak must involve a decision from the central government.
“There is no need for us to be hasty; the central government has yet to make a decision, (but) there are already NGOs saying we do not want to accept (the Palestinian refugees in Sarawak).
“Wait for Prime Minister, wait for the Cabinet’s decision. If the central government has made a decision then you can form your opinions,” he said at a press conference at the Ministry’s Office in Baitulmakmur Complex here today.
On Monday (Nov 13), Sarawak social activist Peter John Jaban called on the Sarawak government to guard its immigration autonomy stringently in light of the possible influx of refugees from Palestine, adding that Sarawak should not follow the federal administration blindly.
Peter John, who is also Sarawak Association for Peoples’ Aspiration publicity and information chief expressed concern that Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s continued support for Hamas suggested that there would be little attempt or requirement to properly vet asylum seekers from Palestine, which could carry the risk of infiltration by radical and violent factions.
His call was echoed by 13 NGOS from Sarawak and Sabah.
This sentiment was also reflected in a statement by Party Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan, who higlighted the complexities of providing shelter and sustenance to refugees, especially those who are victims of war. He suggested that prioritising the needs of the local community should be the focus. — DayakDaily
