| Alice Nah is a researcher who examines the interconnections between citizenship and migration. She is one of the coordinators of the Migration Working Group, a network of civil society groups and individuals advocating for the protection of the rights of migrants, refugees and stateless persons. |
Where is a good home?
June 20, 2010JUNE 20 — Have you ever been troubled by the question: What does the future hold?This question plays on our minds with particular intensity when we wait for the result of an important matter that can change the course of our lives — a job interview, a medical test, a school application, an adoption process, the sale of a home. It is the waiting that is … Read More
What does it mean to be Malaysian?
January 21, 2010JAN 21 — Recent controversies have prompted many Malaysians to reflect on the fissures and connections between ethnic and religious communities in Malaysia.There are groups in our society who feel angry about the use of a Name they hold sacred, the uniqueness of which they hold core to their beliefs. There are others who point out that people of other … Read More
A happy childhood, free to dream
November 20, 2009NOV 20 — Children embody our hopes. We seek for them brighter futures than we visualise for ourselves. Mothers and fathers are willing to sacrifice their own needs for those of their children. Only the most cold-hearted among us can witness a child suffering and feel no pain.Fifty years ago, on Nov 20, 1959, the United Nations General Assembly (Unga) – … Read More
No refuge
October 18, 2009OCT 18 – Her eyes are empty as she stares into the distance. She balances a child on her body, wrapped in a sarong. His eyes are lively, piercing, looking directly at us. He leans forward, engaging with us, while all she wants to do, it seems, is disappear. She looks numb – tired of pain, fear, insecurity – it is clear she does not want to be … Read More
‘Real People, Real Needs’: World Refugee Day 2009
June 20, 2009JUNE 20 — My first encounter with a refugee who sought safety in Malaysia occurred quite unexpectedly. I was 19 years old in my first week of university in the United Kingdom. An Asian-looking girl in my halls of residence sought me out, wanted to meet a ‘Malaysian’. I was curious.In her strong American accent, she started telling me an extraordinary … Read More
Unnecessary deaths in detention
April 24, 2009APRIL 24 — Last Sunday, a newspaper in Bangladesh reported on the case of 30-year-old Ikhtiar Uddin, a Bangladeshi migrant worker who died while being held in detention in Lenggeng detention centre after being punished, beaten, and tortured “severely” by Malaysian authorities.On Wednesday, the New Straits Times reported that a 25-year old Liberian was … Read More
A regional solution for Rohingyas
March 20, 2009MARCH 20 — In January this year, shocking news emerged of the mistreatment by Thai security forces of over a thousand ‘boat people’ travelling from Bangladesh and Burma to Thailand and Malaysia. Most of them were ethnic Rohingyas from Arakan State in Burma.Graphic pictures emerged of desperate, skeletal men aboard old boats without engines. They … Read More
Citizens reborn: Maturing in civil engagement
February 27, 2009FEB 27 — Only a short time ago, many Malaysians took comfort in remaining “apolitical”. Those without affiliation to political parties and who felt estranged from politicians preferred to leave the work of governance to others. It is different now.Malaysians — across ethnic groups, class divisions, religious affiliations and age differences — are … Read More
Human rights in Malaysia under international review
February 11, 2009FEB 11 — Tonight, the Human Rights Council will be scrutinising the government’s human rights record. Amongst the issues it will examine is the use of the Internal Security Act, the harsh crackdowns on citizens assembling in protest of government policies, and the arrest, detention, and deportation of migrants and refugees.The government is being … Read More
Take trafficking of refugees seriously
January 22, 2009JAN 22 — Although denial is a common political strategy, it is still a terrible disappointment when used by our leaders — especially when their actions can curb violent crime and alleviate the suffering of many.Last week, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee drew attention to the trafficking of migrants and refugees at the Malaysia-Thai border. … Read More
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