Arakan News Agency
KUALA LUMPUR: All United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) refugee cards handed out in Malaysia must be approved by the Immigration Department, Home Ministry and Foreign Affairs Ministry, a procedure not being followed by the world aid body, says Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (pic).…
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department claimed UNHCR had been giving out refugee cards to illegal immigrants without consulting the Government.
“We are reviewing it as a matter of urgency, because any recognition of an illegal immigrant as a refugee must be done through the proper processes and with the authorities’ knowledge,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby Thursday.
Earlier this year, Malaysia, along with Indonesia and Thailand had agreed to take in about 7,000 Rohingyas, stranded on its waters.
Malaysia has taken in about 1,100 Rohingya, now housed at a detention centre in Belantik, Sik, Kedah.
Shahidan said although these Rohingya were to undergo the proper screening process before being issued cards, UNHCR was apparently issuing refugee cards to illegal immigrants who were not Rohingya.
“How can this happen? The Home Ministry and Foreign Ministry must be consulted first before any cards are issued.
“The National Security Council will be taking action to ensure no more refugee cards are issued without Government knowledge anymore,” he said.
However, Shahidan refused to reveal the type of action that will be taken.
Source :thestar
