I refer to the Malaysiakini report Uniformed officials accused of trafficking Burmese

Suaram is concerned that the Malaysian government is taking lightly the issue of the allegations that government officials are involved in human trafficking of migrants and refugees.

On Jan 15, 2009, the US Senate released information that investigations were being conducted on allegations that Malaysian government officials were involved in trafficking of migrants and refugees.

Suaram has always expressed grave concerns regarding the allegations of trafficking of Burmese refugees to the Thai border by Immigration officials. We welcome the investigations and are of the view that it is high time that allegations of corruption plaguing the Immigration Department are investigated thoroughly and the government officials responsible for the trafficking of migrants and refugees be held accountable.

We welcome Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s remarks that human trafficking cannot be tolerated and hopes that he will hold true to his word to take action against the government officials involved.

However, we regret the contradicting and defensive remarks made by Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar and the Foreign Minister Dr Rais Yatim. The statements of the ministers to deny these allegations are uncalled for when no professional and independent investigation has been carried out to verify these allegations.

It is evident that the special committee that was set up by the Immigration Department last year to investigate the allegations lacked credibility and was ineffective in addressing public concerns.

Suaram calls on the government to establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate thoroughly the allegations of systemic and widespread corruption, abuse of power and human rights violations in the enforcement of immigration laws.

The witnesses should be given protection and be free from reprisals, including those victims such as refugees and migrant workers with undocumented status as this is the only way to ensure that they will come forward to testify against the immigration officials.

As a member of the UN Human Rights Council, Malaysia is obligated to observe and show commitment in upholding international standards and principles of human rights.

The writer is co-ordinator, Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram)