Anger at Rohingya overlooks root causes, says Tenaganita

Tenaganita, a rights group, contends that the public's anger towards the Rohingya is misguided as it fails to address fundamental issues within the community. These problems include limited access to legal employment and formal education, as well as a lack of secure legal status. Executive director Glorene Das emphasized that those who break the law should be held accountable, but a whole community should not be judged or dehumanized.

Das pointed out that years of poverty, insecurity, and exclusion from legal employment and education have had profound consequences. Despite being registered with the UNHCR, refugees in Malaysia still have no legal immigration status or right to work, and their children cannot attend public schools. However, Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, referred to as Dr Maza, argued that education alone cannot explain all forms of problematic behavior.

He stressed that basic conduct, such as treating others well and refraining from harming others, does not necessitate a high level of education. Asri suggested that the Rohingya issue should be considered in conjunction with other communities experiencing displacement or similar challenges, citing Syrians and Palestinians. He maintained that refugees should be allowed to earn a livelihood, albeit with regulated economic participation to prevent tensions.

Both Pereira and Das agreed that individual responsibility for actions is crucial, yet the root causes demand attention. Pereira highlighted that better access to education and legal employment could alleviate social problems and enhance refugees' well-being, enabling them to become self-reliant and less dependent on handouts. He also noted that education provides a pathway to greater independence and social mobility, citing examples of educated Rohingya refugees who have taken charge of their lives and contributed to society.

Das stressed that the refugee registration document (DPP) program is a vital initial step, transitioning towards a more structured registration system and opening avenues for legal work for registered refugees. However, she advocated for expanding the initiative into a comprehensive, rights-based framework, encompassing legal access to decent work, education for refugee children, protection from exploitation and detention, and clearer legal status.

Das emphasized that self-reliance is essential for refugees living in Malaysia for extended periods, as Malaysia continues to recruit migrant workers for labor-intensive sectors while refugees are largely barred from working legally. She called for the continued focus on protection and human dignity amid the ongoing registration process, which currently benefits 78 Rohingya refugees, with 25 eligible for employment as of June.