KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians should not direct their anger at refugees while overlooking the violence and persecution forcing them to flee Myanmar, said Sik member of parliament Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman.
Tarmizi said discussions in the Dewan Rakyat and among the public often overlooked the root causes of displacement in Myanmar.
"When we talk about refugees in Malaysia, we forget that the real cause is the conflict, massacres and genocide taking place in Myanmar," he said when debating the 2027 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat.
He said more than 16 million people in Myanmar required humanitarian assistance, while over 3.8 million had been displaced by the conflict.
Tarmizi called on the government to take a firmer stand against Myanmar's military junta and address the atrocities forcing people to flee their homes.
"Yet, sadly, we direct these problems at refugee groups in Malaysia.
"All Malaysians should instead stand united in demanding that Myanmar's military junta stop the killings and oppression of its people.
"That is why I urge us to understand the Myanmar and refugee issues more clearly and not lose our way to the point of fuelling xenophobia and unbridled hatred," he said.
On Palestine, Tarmizi said Malaysia should complement its diplomatic efforts and humanitarian aid with stronger political and legal measures.
"We cannot allow solidarity with Palestine to end with speeches, banners and media statements," he said, calling for sustained political pressure and international cooperation.
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