Christ in my Activism

I advocate for the protection of migrants and refugees in Malaysia. I do this primarily through research, writing, teaching and coordinating. I collaborate with civil society groups and other committed individuals – lawyers, writers, teachers – who work together to protect and assist the vulnerable amongst these populations.
I share about the everyday lives of [...]

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Fifty Refugees: The Lives of Refugees in Malaysia

The 50th Anniversary of Merdeka is coming up in a few days time. In commemoration of this, and of the struggles of refugees in Malaysia, a friend of mine worked a project to document their experiences of displacement, detention, and exile. Do read their stories, and tell others about this website so that [...]

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NST: Body of missing girl found with hands severed

This is a recent tragic event in Malaysia. A seven-year old Chin girl, Dally, a recognised refugee from Burma, was kidnapped a week before her family was to depart for the United States. The day before their departure, her body was found near her home with her hands severed at the wrist. [...]

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UNHCR staff celebrate release of babies from detention in Malaysia

Babies in immigration detention centres in Malaysia are a real cause for concern. Other than the fact they are not given special milk, nutritional supplements, diapers, etc, the crowded, unsanitary, conditions of detention are really unsuitable environment for proper care. They are often brought to detention centres along with their mothers. Sometimes, [...]

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Amnesty International Malaysia: Non-signatory Status Not an Excuse to Disregard Refugee Protection

Amnesty International Malaysia has responded to Datuk Radzi’s statement concerning the role of the UNHCR in Malaysia (see below). This statement is also available on AI Malaysia’s website:

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BERNAMA: Home Ministry to Prepare Cabinet Paper on Refugee Woes

On Feb 1, Minister Dtuk Radzi made controversial statements concerning the role of the UNHCR in Malaysia (see below), which has prompted responses by civil society groups (see related postings). It is encouraging that a Cabinet paper will be prepared to clarify an official position on the role of the UNHCR here. For most [...]

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BBC News: Incidents may mar Malaysia’s tourism bid

Incidents may mar Malaysia’s tourism bid
By Jonathan Kent
BBC News, Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia celebrates 50 years of independence this year and to mark the occasion it has launched Visit Malaysia Year 2007.
The country’s palm-fringed beaches, affordably priced hotels, sprawling shopping malls, fantastic food and wildlife already make it one of Asia’s premier destinations.
And [...]

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Towards a World Without Strangers

This is an article I wrote that just came out on Malaysiakini today. It also got listed on UN Dispatch.
Towards a World Without Strangers
Alice Nah
Dec 18, 06 4:01pm
Today, Dec 18, marks International Migrants Day, a day to celebrate the contribution of migrants to our societies, and to promote their rights and fundamental freedoms across [...]

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Aceh on their minds

This is an article I wrote about the longing in the hearts of Acehnese refugees in Malaysia for home. Two days later the Tsunami devastated the coastlines of Aceh. It was published on Malaysiakini on January 11, 2005, and then reproduced on the Liberty & Security website.
Aceh on their Minds
Wednesday 26 January 2005
The eyes [...]

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World Refugee Day 2004: Remembering the Deported and Detained

This was published in malaysiakini in 2004
Today is World Refugee Day, a day to take stock of our global efforts to help refugees and asylum seekers.
World Refugee Day isn’t a day in which refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia bring out cakes, streamers and playing party songs. It isn’t a day where [...]

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