Over the past year, the Malaysian government has been criticised by various human rights organisations, for its treatment of refugees and undocumented migrants. However, the hard truth is, Malaysia is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention (which defines who a refugee is, and sets out the rights of individuals who are granted asylum and the responsibilities of nations that grant asylum) and so it becomes difficult to hold our governments accountable. But what if we do sign the 1951 Refugee Convention. What would change? How will it benefit our country? On this episode, Katrina Jorene Maliamauv and Aslam Abd Jalil join us on the show to discuss.

Other episodes of the miniseries:

> What if Malaysia… Has a Woman Prime Minister #1

> What if Malaysia... Decriminalised All Drugs For Personal Use #2

> What if Malaysia... Has Freedom of Speech Like the US #3

> What if Malaysia… Legalises Abortion (On-Demand)? #4

> What if Malaysia… Legalises Sex Work? #5

> What if Malaysia… Abolishes the Death Penalty? #6

> What if Malaysia… Has a Non-Malay Prime Minister #8

Image Source: Shutterstock

Produced by: Dashran Yohan, Teo Xing Yu

Presented by: Dashran Yohan

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Categories:  Politics,  law & legal matters,  Education,  Social Issues

Tags:  The Bigger Picture,  Live & Learn,  UN Refugee Convention,  1951 Refugee Convention,  Malaysia Refugee Policy,  What if Malaysia,  Rohingya Refugees,  Refugees,