Kuala Lumpur (VOCR) 03 Dec: Tens of thousands of refugees from Myanmar, also known as Burma, stranded in Malaysia, are regarded as nothing but rubbish and problem causers by the government, according to various NGO sources. To be honest, a handful of youth who cannot perceive their future as positive and bright have in fact turned to alcoholic drinking in an attempt to ease their current problems, as they were in the habit of doing in the motherland.
In light of complaints from the locals, in the Chin community various leaders of established fellowships are truly harmonious in an effort to work for projects that can turn the locals’ attitudes towards refugees in reverse.
The CDAC (Chin Disciplinary Action Committee) is the lead team in the first wave of implementing the care project. It has been several months since the “Peace Project” set up by CDAC has begun to be implemented in areas where members of CDAC are stationed. The aim of the project is the clean-up of local areas and washing the buildings occupied by refugees. “The locals view this as a very good activity, as seen by their active support, and among the authorities as well,” said Lal Siam Mawi, currently chairman of CDAC.
Although members of CDAC are stationed in 24 locations, the areas for this Peace project are targeted in Selangor state. The areas are Imbi, Cheras Maluri, Cheras Alam Jaya, Ampang, Pandah Indah, Sungai Besi, Lokyew and Jalan Ipoh—the locations mainly occupied by Chin refugees.
The cleansing program is presented as a “must-do” policy, twice a month in each area. This presentation empowers the program to continue with regularity.
Leaders from Chin communities including Mr. Lal Siam Mawi clearly state that we are not problem causers, but we come carrying with us the problems obtained in our home country. We are, however, always willing to be at peace with the locals.
Although there is a great diversity of challenges, leaders of the Chin are of the same spirit in caring about what the locals care about and highly committed to deterring unruly behavior and violations occasionally committed by drunken Chin youth. There is a serious concern that the disturbances caused by drunken Chin youth could very well create additional negative consequences for the entire Malaysian refugee population.
The project is being funded by Social Protect Funds (SPF) which is under the umbrella of UNHCR office. The UNHCR office is closely cooperating with SPF on implementing the project. Provided that it succeeds in one area, it will be extended to all areas where Chin are currently living.
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