Minister Abdul Karim defends S’wak’s Rohingya stance: ‘We do not welcome them, but that does not mean we are inhuman’

1 hour ago 6

ADVERTISE HERE

By Amanda L

KUCHING, June 15: Sarawak’s refusal to accept Rohingya refugees should not be viewed as inhumane as the State has a track record of extending assistance to vulnerable communities when necessary, says Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

Speaking to reporters after the Samarahan Food & Cultural Festival 2026 ( SFCF) press conference today, he defended Sarawak’s long-standing position on the issue, saying the State’s stance was based on concerns over the management of refugee populations rather than a lack of compassion for those fleeing persecution.

He said Sarawak sympathises with the plight of the Rohingya people, many of whom have been forced to leave Myanmar due to persecution and instability in their homeland.

However, he argued that the influx of refugees into Peninsular Malaysia over the years has highlighted the need for a more structured and orderly management system.

“I think we sympathise with the plight of the Rohingya. We are saddened by what has happened in Myanmar, where many people have been forced to leave their own country because of persecution,” he said.

Abdul Karim said Sarawak had taken a firm position on the matter as early as 2017, when Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stated that the State would not accept Rohingya refugees.

Looking back, he said the decision had proven to be the right one.

“We can see now our vision in 2017 has been correct. We do not welcome them, but that does not mean that we are inhuman,” he stressed.

At the same time, Abdul Karim stressed that the Sarawak government remains prepared to assist those in need regardless of nationality, pointing to the support extended to non-citizens and foreign workers who were stranded in the State during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said the assistance reflected the State government’s commitment to helping people facing hardship while maintaining its policies on immigration and refugee settlement.

“During Covid-19, those who were here and could not return home because the borders were closed were also assisted. That reflects our State and administration. We are not cruel. We will help when the need comes,” he added.

Abdul Karim also urged the federal government to ensure that any refugee intake is managed in a systematic and orderly manner to prevent long-term social and economic challenges.

He cautioned against situations where refugees remain in the country for extended periods without clear policies governing their status, saying such circumstances could create pressure on local communities and businesses.

“If the Malaysian government wishes to welcome refugees who are facing persecution in their own countries, make sure it is managed properly.

“Social problems can be addressed if the administration and management of refugees are carried out in an orderly manner,” he said. — DayakDaily

Read Entire Article