Radzi wants action taken against UNHCR for refugee registration

Opposition MP Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin is urging action against the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) after the government decided to halt refugee registrations. Radzi argued that UNHCR should cease registering new refugees, as per a cabinet directive, to maintain sovereignty over the country. He cautioned against the public perceiving UNHCR as acting independently.

Radzi pointed to a July 23 reply by Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni, stating that the cabinet had instructed UNHCR to cease registrations while the DPP programme was being restructured. Although the National Security Council cited a rise in refugees due to pending applications, Radzi contended that UNHCR's website still allows registration despite the government's decision.

Lukanisman acknowledged a monitoring gap in UNHCR's processes, citing a backlog of unprocessed registrations. While the DPP card demonstrates Malaysia's capability to handle registrations, manpower constraints persist. Radzi emphasized the need to refine Malaysia's stance on UNHCR's list of refugees to prevent errors or abuse that could strain relations with the organization.