GOMBAK, Aug 30 — Measures to address migrant and refugee issues need to strike a balance between law enforcement and humanitarian considerations, while being guided by clear policies, said Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari.
Malaysia must not act based on emotions or sentiment to the extent of neglecting humanitarian values when dealing with these groups.
“If we simply follow our emotions and act according to our mood, we become cruel people. It is as though our thinking has become like the Nazis, which is dangerous,” he said.
Amirudin was speaking after the Mesra Rakyat programme for the Gombak Parliamentary constituency at Dewan Mutiara, SMK Sungai Pusu today.
He added that the issue does place a burden on the country, but the government needs clear policies while balancing humanitarian considerations.
Firm action must still be taken against migrants involved in criminal activities or violations of the law, including those involving illegal residences.
“Those involved in crime will certainly face action...but we need to be clear about the policy. Or does the government want to close its doors to everyone?
"What about refugees from around the world, including Syrian refugees and refugees from Gaza? That cannot be done,” Amirudin said.
On the issue of refugees at the Selayang Wholesale Market, he noted that the area shown in a viral video was actually within the Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory, while a joint operation with the Immigration Department had previously been conducted at Selayang daily market.
