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KUALA LUMPUR – New home minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail should consult migrant and refugee groups about issues facing undocumented migrants, instead of downplaying the alleged plight of detainees at the Kimanis detention centre in Sabah, several humanitarian groups said.
Eight groups and an individual refugee activist in a statement said they were “dismayed” at Saifuddin’s “irresponsible” remarks that frail and ill-looking detainees at the Kimanis centre had already been in that condition before being brought there.
“We urge Saifuddin Nasution to instead speak to representatives from civil society organisations and community-based organisations as we have a better understanding of the ground reality that concerns refugees, asylum seekers, and migrant workers.
“Instead of underplaying the plea for assistance, Saifuddin should have visited the detainees, who have been in the centre for between 1-3 years,” they said in a statement.
They said the “appalling conditions” of detention centres have been repeatedly raised to the government by such groups, as well as the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam).
The groups also expressed concern over another remark by Saifuddin that he would take “tips” from his predecessor, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, who was seen as “incredibly hostile” towards refugees and migrant workers.
Where Hamzah failed to develop progressive policies to plug holes in labour recruitment that led to the problem of undocumented migrants, Saifuddin must do so and ensure laws and policies for better management of foreign workers, they added.
“Refugees and asylum seekers too need to make a living and as such we hope Saifuddin would look at their right to work under the existing legal framework, the IMM13 under the Immigration Act.
“We also encourage the home minister to allow the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and Suhakam to visit immigration detention centres where refugees and migrants are held following raids, especially after the recent call for help by the detainees in Kimanis.”
The statement was posted on Twitter by Mahi Ramakrishnan, an activist and founder of refugee aid organisation Beyond Borders.
Saifuddin yesterday said he had been briefed by Immigration Department officials about a viral video and photos on social media showing emaciated detainees, allegedly at the Kimanis detention centre, appealing to be freed and speaking about their ill-treatment.
The minister, who is also PKR secretary-general, said it was “unfair” for the issue to be played up and called on the media to report fairly.
Sabah Immigration officials, however, did not respond to The Vibes’ requests for comment when the viral video first became an issue.
Suhakam, meanwhile, said it will probe into the matter, adding that it had already sent a request to the Immigration Department to visit the Kimanis detention centre and was waiting for a response when the video emerged on social media. – The Vibes, December 10, 2022
