My friend Hasson’s Malaysian dream: A young refugee’s unfulfilled quest

Hasson is a Rohingya, whose family fled the Rakhine State in Myanmar for Bangladesh in 1991. Born and raised in a refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, Hasson knew he had limited chances of receiving higher education.

To fulfil his dream of becoming a doctor, he took a dangerous journey on a trafficker’s fishing boat – only to find himself stranded in the middle of the Andaman Sea. He was rescued by fishermen from Aceh, Indonesia, but after staying in a refugee camp for a year, Hasson decided to leave for Malaysia yet again.

He may have started a new life in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, but have his dreams been fulfilled? CNA Insider’s Goh Chiew Tong finds out.

Hasson is now working with an NGO, the Geutanyoe Foundation, as a medical coordinator. He helps the Rohingya in Malaysia make referrals to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for a UNCHR card. He has also set up an English school, Rohungya Peace Institute, for Rohingya women and children.

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama

1. Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
2. Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
3. Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
4. Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
5. Lawan rasuah dan kronisme

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