← Back to list

Malaysians have negative attitude towards refugees

Jun 20, 2019

A global think tank has revealed that a large number of Malaysians have a negative attitude towards refugees. 

According to its survey, over 60 percent of Malaysians believe that refugees come into the country for economic reasons, or to take advantage of our welfare services.

Only a quarter of respondents feel that the asylum-seekers were truly genuine.

--

Image: UNHCR

The number of refugees around the world now stands at just over 70 million! 

The UN's refugee agency says this is the highest level in almost 70 years. 

According to the UNHCR, nearly two thirds of all refugees came from five countries - Syria, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Myanmar and Somalia.

It adds, that some 13 million people were newly displaced last year, due to conflict or persecution last year.

Meanwhile, Malaysia currently houses some 170 thousand registered UNHCR refugees and asylum seekers.

This, in conjunction with World Refugee Day today. 

--

The Primary Industries Ministry has sacked Haziq Aziz as senior private secretary to its deputy minister.

The move comes a week after Haziq confessed to being in the viral intimate videos that also implicated a Cabinet minister. 

The Primary Industries Ministry today said Haziq's confession was "violation of its ethics."

Haziq, who is the Santubong PKR Youth chief, is also facing a show-cause letter from the party over the same issue.

--

Wisma Putra says it appreciates the announcement of the Joint Investigation Team, which blamed 3 Russians and a Ukrainian for the downing of MH17 5 years ago. 

It also urged all parties to cooperate with the Investigation Team in order to uncover the truth behind the tragedy. 

Russia has denied any involvement in the tragedy, which killed 298 people.

Meanwhile PM Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad says he's not convinced by the findings, and urged investigators to provide concrete proof of Russia's involvement.