KUCHING: Sarawak must remain steadfast in its policy not to accept Rohingya refugees into the state.
In stating this yesterday, Sarawak People’s Aspiration Party (Aspirasi) chairman Buln Ribos lauded Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari’s statement in 2017 when he assured that Sarawak would not accept Rohingya refugees.
“I hope he would hold steadfast to that policy which has received unanimous support from the people,” he said.
In view of the heated reactions to the landing of a boat containing more than 200 Rohingya refugees while their compatriots in Selayang are infected by Covid-19, Ribos said that any new move or proposal to create a settlement for any refugee in Sarawak, even on temporary basis, must be rejected.
“Sarawak must not allow any foreigner free access into the country in any number, large or small. Sarawak’s population, which is three million or less only, must not have in their midst aliens who can multiply their numbers.
“Any attempt to allow that should be treated as treason as would be contrary to the interest of every Sarawakian — a threat to our food, health, financial, cultural and homeland security,” he said.
He said if the state wanted to be kind, then it should start at home with its own people.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has already reduced the financial status of our own low-income population to zero. Many rural households are suffering from loss of income and inability to buy food and milk powder for their children.
“How can Sarawak’s generosity and compassion be extended to non-Sarawakians when many of our own people are still mired in poverty and squalor?” he asked.
Buln reiterated that Sarawak must continue to close its doors as the Rohingya refugee issue is a regional problem which must be resolved at the regional and international levels.
“Sarawak must place the livelihood and security of its own population above all else, so ‘jaga’ (look after) our border ‘bait-bait’ (well),” he said.
Bernama reported that a boat with 202 Rohingya refugees was detained near a beach resort at Jalan Pantai Kok in Teluk Nibung on Sunday.
Kedah and Perlis Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) said they would be handed over to the Immigration Department for processing.
