The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is an international organization with a mandate to protect refugees. Refugees are those persons who are forced to flee their homeland due to persecution and/or violence.

The Explorers visited the Office of the UNHCR on Jalan Bukit Petaling, just behind Istana Negara, on April 16.

An informative overview of the refugee situation in Malaysia was given by UNHCR External Relations Officer Yante Ismail, followed by questions and discussion and a tour of the refugee center. Ms. Ismail explained that as of March 2007, there were some 43,000 persons of concern registered with the UNHCR in Malaysia. Approximately 75% of this group are ethnic minorities from Myanmar such as Rohingas and Chins who are fleeing persecution and violence in Myanmar.

The Office of UNHCR in Malaysia is staffed by 80 people and is responsible for registering and documenting refugees, determining valid refugee status, protecting the safety and welfare of refugees, and finding durable solutions and resettlement of refugees.

The status of a refugee living in Malaysia is complicated. Since Malaysia is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Convention on Refugees, it has no specific legal obligation to protect refugees in its country. In fact, Malaysian law does not recognize a refugee and does not grant them official refugee status. They are in principal considered illegal immigrants and are subject to arrest, detention and deportation. They have no access to legal employment and their children have no access to education. There are no refugee camps in Malaysia. Instead they live in various refugee communities scattered throughout Malaysia, often near construction sites where they seek employment and in make-shift camps in the jungle near Selangor.

The UNHCR has over the past two years established a constructive working relationship with some Malaysian authorities to address numerous issues relating to refugees. Malaysia has demonstrated a humanitarian commitment, if not legal obligation, towards the protection of refugees in this country.

The UNHCR also works with volunteers to help refugees living in Malaysia.

Areas where volunteers are needed include teaching (English, Bahasa Malaysia, computer and business skills); coordination of resources (cash and in kind) to UNHCR, NGOs or the communities; special events organized to assist refugees; and areas of special skill including lawyers, doctors and health practitioners, teachers, writers, etc. Contact: UNHCR Volunteer Coordinator, 03-2141-1322 or mlslu@unhcr.org .

Annette Long

In the past decade 360 new species, that is about 3 a month, have been discovered in Borneo. The clouded Leopard, Pygmy Elephant, orangutan and striped Rabbit are only a few of the 20% of these new species that are indigenous only to Borneo. At the same time, the rate of natural forest deforestation is about 1.3 million hectares, or 20 times the size of Singapore, per year. This massive rate of deforestation will, in the next 15-20 years, eliminate the fertile forests of Borneo.

Darius Sarshar, of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) presented these sobering facts on April 18, in the Monthly lecture, 'The Forests and Forest people of Borneo'. The WWF, established in 1961, operates in more than 100 countries 'working for a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.' The WWF focuses on six key areas of interest, climate change, forests, freshwater, marine, species and sustainability. Darius works specifically in the Global Forest and Trade Network which concentrates efforts in providing a model for timber companies for responsible management of forests, promoting 'good wood' projects and social and environmental aspects.

During the presentation the discussion focused on deforestation, that is, loss of natural forests, which has a lasting impact on climate, animal and plant life and indigenous peoples. Land is cleared for Palm Oil Plantations, Cattle Ranches, shifting cultivation and other money making activities. Logging concessions have already been established in many areas of Borneo and only a small amount of natural forests are left protected.

Within Borneo there are 200 languages and or dialects spoken and 4.5 million indigenous people. These people often claim agricultural areas for ritual rites or for hill rice cultivation. Often these areas are not clearly marked and overlap within existing logging concession areas. This has resulted in many conflicts and in some cases blockades which affect the logging of the forests.

Fortunately this devastating reality has a positive side. There is an effort by the three nations of Borneo to protect the area called, 'The Heart of Borneo'. This is in the center, highland area of Borneo, which is about 30% of the island and comprises about 22 million hecctares. This is contiguous natural forests with minimal deforestation damage.

The WWF has reported that with sustainable logging programs it is possible to make money from the forest while keeping the forest intact and allowing the indigenous people to live happily. By logging 1-2 trees or 1.6% from of a 'block' of the forest and then allowing that 'block' to grow for 30-40 years before logging another 1-2 trees from that same 'block', sustainable logging will be successful.

Currently about 10% of the world's timber is traded through GFTN. By focusing on certified forest Products, that is, using wood that is traceable back to its origin, the Global Forest and Trade Network, will be successful.

In fact, the next and last Harry Potter novel, due out this July, will be printed on FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) paper!

Here are a few hints to help with the GFTN effort: 1) Buy wood products that carry the WWF Panda logo, 2) Buy FSC products, ex: ECO wood flooring, 3) Buy from responsible vendors, such as IKEA, Carrefour etc. 4) Continue to read the news for updates on WWF activities.

For more information please consult the following: http://www.panda.org/about_wwf/what_we_do/forests/index.cfm

Forest Stewardship Council: http://www.fsc.org/en/

For consumers:
http://www.panda.org/about_wwf/what_we_do/forests/what_you_can_do/index.cfm

Nancy Rundhammer

April 23 proved to be a lucky day for 12 brave explorers who ventured to Petaling Jaya to visit the Buddhist Theravada Temple Wat Chetawan.

Wat Chetawan translates to ‘Jeta’s Grove Monastary’. The first Jeta’s Grove was in Northern India, where a disciple of Buddha’s, Anathapindika and Prince Jeta, prepared a peaceful retreat site for Buddha and his monks in a park area away from a busy town.   This description holds true for the modern day Wat Chetawan in PJ as it is truly an oasis in the midst of a busy business and residential area in the KL region of Malaysia!

As scheduled, long time temple member Brother Khoo met the curious explorers for the morning tour. Brother Khoo, once a monk himself and now a very active temple member, began his tour with a few reminders of Buddhist belief as well as tidbits of history of the temple.

Wat Chetawan is an active Theravada Buddhist temple, which was officially opened in 1957 when King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand raised Wat Chetawan’s main Chofa (roof finial).  The king donated the main Buddha image, Luang Pho Putthak Thammin which is located in the main ubosot.  No longer supported as a Royal Temple of Thailand, Wat Chetawan continues some ties to Thailand as the head Abbott is of Thai descent and a number of visiting monks are from Thailand.

Brother Khoo guided us throughout the temple, including introducing us to the Temple Abbott.  We enjoyed seeing the various Buddha images and temple buildings. Throughout our morning visit, Brother Khoo reminded us of various Buddhist sayings and beliefs, especially the regular reminder of the impermanence of all living things.

At the conclusion of the morning, we were satisfied with a fulfilling tour of a peaceful retreat in the heart of PJ.

Wat Chetawan has just completed renovation including a newly restored main temple Chofa.  Always welcoming visitors, please consider Wat Chetawan a future destination:

Wat Chetawan (Jeta’s Grove Monastery)
No 24, Jalan Pantai, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7957-2255

The MCG was most fortunate to have the very unique opportunity to visit Gurdwara Sahib Petaling Jaya this month, for a fascinating look at the world's youngest, barely 500 years old and fifth largest religion, the Sikh Religion.

Mr Hari Singh, kindly donated his time and captivated our audience with a very informative talk about Sikhism, which started with one man in the 15 th century. Guru Nanak Dev Ji , who spread the simple message of "Ek Ong Kar" we are all one created by the one creator of all Creation.

This was at a time when India was being torn apart by castes, sectarianism, religious factions and fanaticism. Founded on the principals of tolerance and equality, Guru Nanak expressed "Sat Nam" God is the Truth that sits within the soul of every being and that with daily action, words and worship, God can be experienced in this lifetime.

Guru Nanak inspired his followers, who began to be called Sikhs (learners) by his beautiful poetry and by singing the divine songs to teach his message.

He travelled all over India and other parts of Asia bare foot, to study the ideology of all religions. He was succeeded by a line of 9 Gurus (teachers) over a 230year period who carried on his work. Finally after the principals were added to, tried and tested, they were compiled in 1708 in the "Sri Guru Granth Sahib" the Holy Book of sacred writings 1,430 pages of spiritual messages. All ten Gurus reside spiritually within the "Guru Granth Sahib" the scriptures are the living embodiment of the Gurus and are regarded with the utmost reverence and respect. It was translated into English in the early 1800's.

Often said it was a religion before its time, the Sikh ideal opposes superstition, rituals, social injustice, and social inequality. The status of women is one of respect and equality they can become priests and leaders.

Created by the 10 th and last Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, the Sikh form known as the "Khalsa" is a sisterhood and brotherhood devoted to purity of thought and action. It reminds the Sikhs of their commitment and helps maintain an elevated state of consciousness.

Every Sikh baptised Khalsa vows to wear the 5K's.

Kesh- uncut hair and beard as given by God, to sustain him or her in higher consciousness and a turban, the crown of spirituality

Khanga - the wooden comb to properly groom the hair as a symbol of cleanliness

Katchera -specially made cotton underwear as a reminder of the commitment to purity

Kara- a steel bangle worn on the wrist signifying bondage to truth and freedom from entanglements

Kirpan- the sword with which the Khalsa is committed to defend the fine line of the truth

The cornerstone of the Sikh way of life is:

*to get up each day before sunrise for prayers and meditation

*to work and earn an honest living and to live a family life

*to share with the poor and needy ,being an inspiration to the community

As an example, the famous Golden Temple in Amritsar in northern India staffed by volunteers, serves some 75,000 meals per day through its free kitchen to anyone from any race religion or background.

This is a truly inspiring religion and an enormous and fascinating subject. There are 115 Gurwaras (Sikh Temples) in Malaysia. The MCG was most honoured to tour the Temple and receive a blessing from the priests.

We were able to see the enormous kitchen which produces hundreds of meals at a time ,and later enjoyed a delicious vegetarian lunch of curries ,dhal with chapattis ,fruits, sweets and chai.

We are most thankful to our MCG member Amarat Gill and her dear friends for looking after us so well. Much thanks again to Mr Hari Singh for his enlightening talk and valuable time.

Deborah Salyer