The Star
by MAZWIN NIK ANIS
by MAZWIN NIK ANIS
PETALING
JAYA: Malaysia is ready to receive asylum seekers whenever Australia is
ready to send them, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.
Despite
the initial hiccup of a court injunction, Malaysia and Australia
remained committed to tackle human trafficking through the recently
inked refugee resettlement and transfer programme, he added.
“Notwithstanding
the hiccup, the agreement remains the best way to tackle the menace of
people traffickers in a way that protects the interests of Australia,
Malaysia and above all, the immigrants involved.
“We hope to see it up and running as soon as possible.
“Malaysia and Australia remain steadfastly committed to make this programme a success,” he told The Star yesterday.
Australia's
plan to send asylum seekers to Malaysia as part of a refugee swap deal
has been delayed for at least two weeks until the Australian High Court
can rule on its legality.
Refugee
advocates obtained an injunction in the court late on Sunday against
the government flying the first 16 asylum seekers to Kuala Lumpur on
Monday morning.
Justice
Kenneth Hayne had ruled the injunction would remain in force until the
full bench of seven judges hear the case beginning Aug 22.
Melbourne-based
Refugee and Immigration Legal Centre was challenging the government's
claim that Malaysia would provide adequate protection.
On
July 25, the two countries signed a landmark agreement on the transfer
and resettlement of asylum seekers, which aims to put a cork on human
trafficking syndicates profiting from human misery by promising them
places in the two countries.
The
historic deal the first in the world will see 4,000 refugees currently
residing in Malaysia be sent to Australia and 800 asylum seekers
redirected here over the next four years.
Australia is expected to fork out A$292mil (RM900mil) for the programme.
Malaysia has given its assurance that refugees who are sent here will be treated with dignity and respect.
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