KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (MNTV) — Veteran human rights activist Debbie Stothard has warned that growing misinformation and hostility towards Rohingya refugees in Malaysia could escalate into real-world violence, calling for stronger action from authorities, social media companies and civil society groups.
Speaking during a discussion with Rohingya activist Yasmin Ullah hosted by The Rohingya Nation, the founder of ALTSEAN-Burma addressed the recent rise in anti-Rohingya rhetoric circulating online and its potential consequences for refugee communities.
Stothard, who has supported the Rohingya cause for decades, said the community had long been subjected to severe persecution in Myanmar. She recalled research conducted by ALTSEAN-Burma in 2006 that described the treatment of the Rohingya as a “slow-burning genocide,” years before the crisis gained widespread international attention.
“The persecution of the Rohingya became a litmus test for the state of human rights in Myanmar,” she said, arguing that concern for Myanmar’s future must include concern for the Rohingya people.
Addressing the resurgence of anti-Rohingya sentiment in Malaysia, Stothard suggested that political factors often play a role in such campaigns.
“When elections draw near, politicians and political actors often find it easier to mobilize support through fear and scapegoating than by addressing real economic and social issues,” she said.
According to Stothard, the Rohingya remain one of Malaysia’s most marginalized communities, making them particularly vulnerable to misinformation and political manipulation. She noted that many Malaysians have never met a Rohingya refugee or fully understand the circumstances that forced them to flee Myanmar.
She expressed particular concern about online content that goes beyond criticism and actively encourages hostility toward refugees.
“We have already seen reports of Rohingya women and children being threatened and harassed,” she said, warning that online incitement can quickly translate into physical harm.
Stothard called on authorities to investigate cases of incitement seriously, arguing that content encouraging violence should not be dismissed as merely an expression of opinion.
She also urged social media companies to take greater responsibility in addressing anti-Rohingya hate speech. Referring to previous controversies surrounding online platforms and the Rohingya crisis, Stothard said companies such as Meta should understand the consequences of failing to act against inflammatory content. “Waiting until a campaign spirals out of control is not enough,” she said.
Responding to claims that refugees place a burden on Malaysia, Stothard argued that refugees can make meaningful economic contributions if given legal access to employment. She pointed to longstanding calls from Malaysian businesses for refugees to be allowed to work legally in order to address labor shortages.
Allowing refugees to work would reduce dependence on aid, improve self-sufficiency and benefit both refugee families and the wider economy, she said.
“If society normalizes hatred against one vulnerable group today, it can easily target others tomorrow,” she warned.
Stothard said regional bodies such as ASEAN should treat hate campaigns and incitement as issues affecting regional stability. She stressed that governments have a responsibility to protect people fleeing genocide, war crimes and persecution and to ensure refugees are treated with dignity.
Despite the current wave of hostility, Stothard expressed confidence that many Malaysians would reject efforts to exploit fear and division.
“The current hate campaign does not represent Malaysia,” she said. “The important question is how to prevent the next wave of hate.”