KUALA LUMPUR — From Penang, the delegation from the US Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB) went to KL. On August 11, they met with Archbishop Julian Leow, some members of the clergy and other staff involved with social justice, religious freedom, and migration issues.
The meeting started off with a presentation on the background and current condition of the Migrants, Refugees and Human Trafficking scene in Malaysia by Josephine Tey, one of the coordinators of the Migrant Services Centre in the Archdiocesan Office for Human Development (AOHD).
Jerald Joseph, Director of the Popular Communications Centre for Human Rights (KOMAS), addressed the root of the problems faced by the Malaysian public: the governance, with the theme Nation in Crises. He explained how certain laws were used to curtail the freedom of expression in Malaysia. He also spoke on how civil society has spoken up against these and gave the example of BERSIH 4.0.
Fr Michael Chua was the last presenter of the day. His presentation titled Melting Pot or Boiling Cauldron helped give the USSCB representatives a general idea about how society in Malaysia is made up in terms of religion, ethnicity and politics. He also spoke on the religious persecution which is taking place, not only among the Christians, but also among the other minority religions.
“After listening to your sharings, I am touched by your perseverence in spite of the persecution you are facing,” said Bishop Eusebio Elizondo, auxiliary bishop of Seattle and Chair of the Committee on Migration.
“Sometimes, we take for granted the freedom that we have, especially as we come from a country where we are a majority while in your country, you are the minority. We are grateful for your testimonies,” he said to Archbishop Leow, the clergy and staff of AOHD.
The meeting with the Coalition of Burma Ethnics (COBEM) was next on the agenda, on August 12 at the COBEM’s main office at Pudu Plaza Apartment. One representative from each of the refugee groups: Arakan Refugee Relief Committee (ARRC), Chin Refugee Committee (CRC), Alliance of Chin Refugees (ACR), Kachin Refugee Committee (KRC), Malaysia Karen Organization (MKO), Organization for Karenni Development (OKD), Mon Refugee Organization (MRO) and Shan Refugee Organization (SRO) was present for the meeting.The USSCB representatives were given a rundown of the struggles and sufferings of the refugee committee through the refugee groups’ representatives.“We want to get enough information so that we can help all of you to the best of our ability,” said Bishop Eusebio Elizondo, in response to the issues brought to light.
On August 13, the USSCB party of six then paid a visit to US Ambassador Joseph Yun at the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. The Good Shepherd Sisters’ shelter for unaccompanied children in Ipoh was also a part of their itinerary where they met Sr Helena and the staff of the shelter. The shelter is just one of the many efforts by the Good Shepherd Sisters’ to help women, youth and children.
On August 14, Bishop Eusebio Elizondo, Bishop Oscar Cantu, Virginia Farris and Kristyn Peck went to Madonna Heights for a visit to the Good Shepherd Home which provides shelter for underprivileged youth with social and personal problems. It is a non-profit organization, founded in 1960, catering especially to marginalized women and children.
While the other four members visited the Good Shepherd Home, Matthew Wilch and Kevin Appleby met with Rohingya Society Malaysia (RSM). They learnt that the Rohingyas who fled Myanmar after 2013 are mostly university graduates who have been targeted by the Myanmar government as agents of provocation. Education-wise, their children have no access to public schools and are only accepted in religious schools.The RSM was formed in 2010 with the objective of providing community assistance, basic medical care, basic education and assisting people to register with UN, local authority and hospitalization.
Next, the delegation from the US met with the Malaysian Social Research Institute (MSRI), to see first-hand the challenges faced by migrants and refugees. The refugees shared their experiences and their life before Malaysia that was fraught with troubles and danger to both them and family members. Life in Malaysia isn’t easy for them either. They have a lack of support, are unable to get jobs, have to offer bribes to various authorities and are stopped by police even though they possess valid documentation. The lack of education available for the refugee children and the fact that credentials aren’t recognized makes life all the more difficult for them. The injustice in the system was made evident through the stories shared.
“The Catholic Church in the US is interested in helping those who are migrating there. They help anyone, irrespective of their race, religion or cultural differences. said Matthew Wilch, Refugee Policy Advisor. “The Church wants to help those migrants to connect — to be part of a new community.”
Upon their return to the States, the USSCB representatives will prepare a report, with solutions to the problems, to be presented to the Church in the US and the US government.
