Letter to the Editor - The Star - 27 April 2020

As published in The Star, 27 April 2020.

TO all Malaysians, I want to reach out across the seas and ensure that you heard directly from a member of the Australian government. I was horrified to hear about the racist attack on a student from Malaysia this month (“Singaporean student and friend hurt in racist attack in Melbourne”, The Star, April 16). It is awful to hear of anyone being attacked by strangers on the street simply because of their race and ethnicity.

It is unacceptable that anyone should have to put up with such cowardly and reprehensible racist behaviour. It is utterly un-Australian and is condemned by all Australians.

Every person in Australia – whether they arrived here recently, or their family has walked these lands since time immemorial – should never face aggressive acts based on their heritage.

I utterly condemn the actions of those who believe it is acceptable to be racist towards international students living in Australia. As a member of the Australian Parliament, I will continue to call out this disgusting behaviour and work towards ensuring that we remain a welcoming country, and I know all Australians agree with me.