Just as the poor find themselves in the predicament through impoverishment rather than by choice, it is important to bear in mind that refugees (unlike economic migrants) are victims of persecution who are compelled to abandon everything at home, fleeing to a foreign shore to seek safety and refuge, facing an uncertain future.

Malaysia is host to a significant refugee population, many of whom are from Aceh and Myanmar. Unfortunately, Malaysian law does not expressly recognize the concept of refugees. They are often treated under our laws as "illegal immigrants", and are thus vulnerable to arrest, detention, imprisonment, whipping and deportation.

But much more needs to be done, by the Government, the Immigration Department, the police and the courts, to accord refugees their right to fair and humane treatment and to restore respectability to the way in which we manage a human condition deserving empathy rather than the further inflicting of pain.