Irregular Migrants, Human Rights and Securitization in Malaysia: An Analysis from a Policy Perspective

Abstract

The intricate interplay between irregular migration, human rights and securitization has developed into a significant discourse in the migration regimes of a number of states. Migrant populations play a role in host state’s cultural constructs and security paradigms, and in altering political outcomes in the host states (Sadiq, 2005). However, irregular migrants are also often portrayed as a security threat to a nation’s sovereignty. Accordingly, counter-terrorism policies and measures taken by host countries in order to combat security threats, often lead to human rights violations of the irregular migrant populations (Amnesty International, 2008). The proliferation of global human rights treaties and conventions has engendered the labelling of the contemporary period as the ‘age of human rights’. At the same time, the issue of terrorism, especially Islamic terrorism, has risen to the top of the global political agenda (Jackson, 2007). Anti-terrorist measures adopted by the West after 9/11 have marked a shift towards greater state control over individuals (Edmunds, 2011, p. 11; Gearty, 2007). Under the new security regimen, stricter policies for the verification of documentation came into place, disproportionately affecting migrant populations. Stricter regulations have been adopted by most nations. Malaysia has received serious criticism for the violation of human rights in the ‘guise of state security’ (An-Naim, 1999).