COMMENT | Government must focus on combating xenomisia

COMMENT | In Malaysian social media circles arose again a wave of xenomisia (hatred or prejudice against foreigners) focusing on Rohingya refugees.

There has been a clear undercurrent within Malaysian society against this particular group over the last few years that often results in particularly heinous statements.

Without giving much attention to them, it is clear that sentiments bordering on promoting genocide, going so far as to take the side of the Tatmadaw (Myanmar’s military) are, if not becoming more popular, at least being treated as normal speech. This should be addressed immediately by the government.

In the past, we have seen how government departments under the Perikatan Nasional-BN regime behaved in problematic ways, with a poster stating Rohingya migrants are not welcome in Malaysia appearing on the social media account of the Immigration Department...