Mahi Ramakrishnan: Refugees, Rights, and the Rohingya in Malaysia

The plight of the Rohingya remains under-addressed in public discourse, even as the genocide case brought by The Gambia against Myanmar continues before the International Court of Justice.In this interview, we speak with Mahi Ramakrishnan, an investigative journalist, filmmaker, and founder of Beyond Borders Malaysia, about refugees in Malaysia, the legal and political barriers they face, and her use of film, advocacy, and the Festival on Wheels to build public understanding and community connection.00:00 Opening / Content Note02:29 Introduction03:12 Rohingya Refugees in Kuala Lumpur04:44 From Investigative Journalism to Beyond Borders Malaysia11:32 Documenting Rohingya Stories and Malaysia’s Response15:20 Refugees, Race, Religion, and Malaysian Law20:48 Refugee Communities in Malaysia26:02 Patriarchy, Toxic Masculinity, and Community Education28:29 Child Marriage, Trafficking, and Exploitation34:35 The Origins of the Refugee Festival38:48 Migrant Workers, Refugees, and Legal Protection40:51 Community Support for Refugee Advocacy42:51 From Refugee Fest to Festival on Wheels46:21 How Festival on Wheels Builds Local Connection48:30 Future Goals for Refugee Rights in Malaysia53:36 An Image That Stays with Her55:08 Documentary Scenes and the Violence Refugees Face57:14 Closing Remarks