Meeting of 28 August 2008 – Refugees in Malaysia

September 4, 2008

Amer Arshad Our speaker, Mr Amer Hamzah Arshad, a legal expert in the area of refugees, spoke to the club on the plight of refugees in Malaysia. Legitimate refugees are often unfairly perceived as economic migrants, when they are in fact in a situation where their lives are at stake. He argued that we have a responsibility to protect these refugees, as ensure that their basic rights as human beings are defended.

VISITING ROTARIANS

Past President VG Chandran (RC Pudu)

GUESTS

Jamellah Kamaldin (Service Chair Shanti Clement)
MV Deson (District Governor Elect Leslie Salehuddin)
John Anthony (District Governor Elect Leslie Salehuddin)
Wan Ahmad Sufian (District Governor Elect Leslie Salehuddin)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Rotary Foundation Chair, Past President James Emarievbe encouraged members to support the Foundation by actively participating in the Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY) programme. He is planning for the Club to achieve 100% EREY again this Rotary year.
President Elect Jeff Ho, who is also Organising Chair for the Golf Fellowship for the 2010 District Conference reminded members of his committee that there will be a meeting immediately after our regular meeting.
Immediate President Ridzuan Yang briefed members on the International Youth Exchange programme to India this year. If members have interested students who wish to participate, please contact him.

SPEAKER
Amer Hamzah Arshad, Zain & Co.

TOPIC
Refugees in Malaysia – To leave or not to leave
Amer spoke to the club on the plight of refugees in Malaysia. He gave us a brief introduction to the definitions and laws regarding refugees in Malaysia, as well as internationally. Legitimate refugees are often unfairly perceived as economic migrants, when they are in fact in a situation where their lives are at stake. He argued that we have a responsibility to protect these refugees, as ensure that their basic rights as human beings are defended. Amer’s presentation gave members a much better understanding of the situation of refugees in Malaysia.

INTRODUCED BY Membership Chair Aimee Liew ¤ THANKED BY Past President Yeo Soon Teck

PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS

President Peter Pek reminded and encouraged members to attend the District “The Rotary Foundation” Seminar, which will be held on Sunday, 7 September 2008.
He reported that so far, nine members have committed to attend the Installation of the Rotary Club of Makati South in Manila. Members who still wish to join in may do so.
President reported that he attended the Installation of President Kassim Arif of the Rotary Club of Damansara West on Saturday.