Don't seek publicity through migrant issues, Santiago tells Radzi

Former Klang Member of Parliament Santiago has called out his Putrajaya counterpart over a suggestion to involve the armed forces in repatriating undocumented migrants, saying the proposal appears designed to generate headlines rather than address the underlying problem.

The criticism centers on what Santiago characterizes as a publicity-driven approach to migration management. The Putrajaya MP had proposed deploying military personnel to support deportation operations targeting migrants lacking proper documentation, a move Santiago contends misuses state resources for political purposes.

The exchange highlights divergent views within Malaysia's political establishment on how best to manage the country's undocumented migrant population, a longstanding challenge affecting multiple sectors of the economy and raising concerns about border security and social services.

Santiago's intervention suggests growing debate over the most effective and appropriate methods for handling deportations, with established procedures in place through immigration authorities and existing institutional frameworks designed for such operations.