ID :
190733
Thu, 06/23/2011 - 16:10
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/190733
The shortlink copeid
ASYLUM SEEKER SWAP CAN REPAIR MALAYSIA'S IMAGE
The proposed asylum seeker swap between
Australia and Malaysia will hopefully improve the country's image as transit
point for smuggling of migrants and destination for foreigners.
Home Minister Hishammuddin Tun Hussein told House of Representatives the
plan must be implemented wisely to ensure equal treatment for the foreigners.
"Malaysia needs to be sensitive in handling this issue and focus on their
relocation to third countries after obtaining refugee status from the United
Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR)," he said in reply to William Leong
Jee Keen, a member of parliament (MP) who asked what benefit will the swap bring
to Malaysia.
Hishammuddin said the swap can reduce the number of refugees in the country
as Australia will accept 4,000 refugees from Malaysia and send out 800 in
exchange.
"While the number sent here may not achieve the target, the country
(Australia) will continue with its commitment to accept 4,000 refugees as
agreed."
Both countries are in discussion with interested parties to ensure that
asylum seekers gain access to education and health facilities in accordance with
practices by UNHCR and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
"The swap will also address transborder crimes and has no financial
implications for Malaysia."
Speaking to reporters in parliament lobby, Hishammuddin said the Australian
opposition's plan to send members to inspect the standard of treatment of
refugees here will not have any significant consequence on bilateral ties.
"They can come and I believe that they will oppose as that is the job of
the opposition.
"Business can't be as usual if formulations introduced before have not
produce results. Opposing for the sake of opposing does not solve the
problem," he said.
Opposition spokesman for immigration matters Scott Morrison said that he
will visit Malaysia next week to compare conditions for asylum seekers.
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Sunday described the plan as
disgraceful and will jeopardise relations with Malaysia.
The Australian opposition is against the swap deal as Malaysia's proposal is
not supported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Australia and Malaysia will hopefully improve the country's image as transit
point for smuggling of migrants and destination for foreigners.
Home Minister Hishammuddin Tun Hussein told House of Representatives the
plan must be implemented wisely to ensure equal treatment for the foreigners.
"Malaysia needs to be sensitive in handling this issue and focus on their
relocation to third countries after obtaining refugee status from the United
Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR)," he said in reply to William Leong
Jee Keen, a member of parliament (MP) who asked what benefit will the swap bring
to Malaysia.
Hishammuddin said the swap can reduce the number of refugees in the country
as Australia will accept 4,000 refugees from Malaysia and send out 800 in
exchange.
"While the number sent here may not achieve the target, the country
(Australia) will continue with its commitment to accept 4,000 refugees as
agreed."
Both countries are in discussion with interested parties to ensure that
asylum seekers gain access to education and health facilities in accordance with
practices by UNHCR and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
"The swap will also address transborder crimes and has no financial
implications for Malaysia."
Speaking to reporters in parliament lobby, Hishammuddin said the Australian
opposition's plan to send members to inspect the standard of treatment of
refugees here will not have any significant consequence on bilateral ties.
"They can come and I believe that they will oppose as that is the job of
the opposition.
"Business can't be as usual if formulations introduced before have not
produce results. Opposing for the sake of opposing does not solve the
problem," he said.
Opposition spokesman for immigration matters Scott Morrison said that he
will visit Malaysia next week to compare conditions for asylum seekers.
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Sunday described the plan as
disgraceful and will jeopardise relations with Malaysia.
The Australian opposition is against the swap deal as Malaysia's proposal is
not supported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
