Repatriation of students from Yemen to avert tragedy

KUALA LUMPUR: Government efforts to repatriate students from Yemen should be commended as the uncertainty in the Middle East country threatens their studies.
Experts on international politics believe that quick action by the National Security Council (MKN) is timely due to the anarchy and the Yemeni government could not give any assurance.
The government learned a lesson from what occurred in Egypt during Ops Pyramid 1 and 2 in 2011 with the repatriation of 13,791 students due to political unrest.
The experts concurred that if the situation worsens in Yemen, the students can continue their studies in Malaysia or some other countries.
Lecturer of Law, Government and International Studies, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Mohamad Faisol Keling said it is the government's responsibility to protect its citizens.
"The people must understand that the government is concerned for the welfare of Malaysians. It is good for all parties, including family members of the students," he said today.
The government has entrusted the the MKN, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Malaysian Embassy in Sana'a, Yemen to streamline the repatriation.
Scores of Malaysian students in Yemen have been repatriated following the conflict between the Yemeni government and Houthi Syiah rebels who gained control of several important institutions in Sana'a.
Geostrategist Dr Azmi Hassan said what is happening Yemen is more serious than what happened in Egypt as the Yemeni government cannot control the situation.
"The rebels are in control of cities, including the capital Sana'a. The MKN acted fast to repatriate our students from becoming victims of political unrest.
"It may hinder studies but cannot be avoided as the government gives top priority to the safety of students," said the lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
He added unlike in Egypt where it involved medical students, those in Yemen take Islamic studies and thus it is easier to find places in local universities.
Dean of International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Prof Datuk Dr Mahmood Zuhdi Abdul Majid said the Sunni-Syiah conflict in Yemen is expected to prolong.
He added similar conflicts had happened in Iraq, Iran and Bahrain where there was anarchy.
"The government's decision to repatriate the students is correct as they can study tahfiz here as we have the expertise and better facilities.
"Yemen is not a good place for our students. The lifestyle is regressive and can affect the students. Its like going back to the pondok era." – Bernama