Govt will now manage refugees, MP says maybe 50-year transition

As the government confirms its intentions to transition into the role of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Malaysia, Klang MP Charles Santiago says it may take more than 50 years for the country to meet international standards.

He reiterated his doubt over Malaysia’s readiness to take on the task of resettling refugees and asylum seekers anytime soon as he said the government lacks expertise and framework.

“This will jeopardise the resettlement of refugees and asylum seekers,” he stressed.

He also pointed out that the government’s contention that the UNHCR office was slow in resettling refugees was unfounded because...