Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Malaysia needs legal refugee framework, minister says
A senior government official has defended the UN refugee agency against criticism, arguing that Malaysia's refugee challenges stem from the absence of domestic legislation rather than UNHCR shortcomings.
LSN Malaysia ·
The root cause of Malaysia's refugee management difficulties lies not with international organisations but with the country's lack of a comprehensive legal framework, according to a government minister.
P Ramasamy highlighted the need for domestic legislation to effectively address refugee issues, suggesting that Malaysia's current approach relies heavily on ad-hoc policies rather than structured governance mechanisms.
His comments come amid ongoing debates about the role of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in the country. Ramasamy's position shifts focus from external agencies to the government's own institutional capacity and legislative preparedness.
Malaysia hosts one of the world's largest refugee populations, with hundreds of thousands seeking shelter from conflicts and persecution across the region. Without a formal legal framework ratifying the UN Refugee Convention, Malaysia relies on informal arrangements and humanitarian protocols to manage this population.
The minister's statement underscores growing recognition among policymakers that addressing the refugee crisis requires Malaysia to develop its own regulatory infrastructure rather than attributing challenges to international actors operating within the country.