The plight of the refugees in Southeast Asia grows worse
The policy was born of desperation, although it seemed shockingly inhumane. Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad announced that his government was going to get tough with refugees from Viet Nam. Not only would Malaysia shoot on sight at any more of the so-called boat people who tried to land on its shores, said Mahathir, but it would push back to sea the 76,000 who have already landed there. If necessary, continued Mahathir, Malaysia would build boats in which to remove them. Said he: "If they try sinking the boats,...
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