Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Sri Lankan refugees in Malaysia facing harassment

Sri Lankan refugees in Malaysia facing harassment


Sri Lankan refugees who had fled their war ravaged country to Malaysia are unable to find steady jobs and are constantly harassed by the police and Rela officers, reported Makkal Osai in its special report.

They claimed that Myanmarrefugees are treated differently while Sri Lankans are forced to face obstacles.

The daily reported that there are about 4,000 Sri Lankan refugees in Malaysiaas a result of the island state’s 20-year civil war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) that wanted an autonomous state.

Tamil Forum Malaysia, a non-governmental organisation, is currently pushing for temporary work permits for the adults and building a school for the children.

Malaysia Nanban reported Malaysian Tamil Youth Bell Club Council president K. Murali calling the Indian community to fight for the continuation of the Tamil language.

He said parents must be encouraged to send their children to Tamil schools as many schools were facing low enrollment.

If the situation persisted, Tamil schools might be closed down, he said, hoping that parents realise that Tamil schools are avenues where children are taught the right moral and human values.

Murali said the future of the language in the country was in the hands of the younger generation.

Tamil Nesan reported Kedah MIC chief S. Ananthan urging the Indian community to make full use of the opportunities given by the federal government to succeed in life.

The government, he said, had given RM970,000 to temple committees and financial aid to Tamil schools for maintenance works and rebuilding.

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