Friend in need.....reflections from my recent visit to Malaysia.

When the whole world ignored Somalia…one country stood up quietly, without drum beats or headlines, or invitation to corrupted officials, and opened its doors to welcome the traumatized Somali youth as well as elders, mothers and children. MALAYSIA has done something no country has done for Somalia…not IGAD, not the AU, not the Arab league, not the EU, not even the UN.

Mohamed Ibrahim, a Melbourne University Research Fellow with the help of the Somali Embassy in Jakarta, traveled to Malaysia to engage the Somali students and other members of the Somali community.

He was touched by the genuine generosity Malaysia has given to the Somali Students and the Somali community at large. Malaysia is the only country in the whole world that accepts the Somali passport and respects it as a property of a sovereign country. 

Somali students are studying at many universities in Malaysia. These uncertain times, Education is the only way I can recommend for all Somali youth who are interested to move forward. A message I always repeat when talking to these students is to remind them that 'they are the only hope, the only group...who can help Somalia'- this might sound strange, but reflect on it and you might agree with me.

This was my fourth visit to the Somali students in Malaysia. I noticed an increased enthusiasm for learning and desire to succeed. If you listen carefully, you can get a feel for the crisis we (Somalis) went through over the last few years from the faces and stories of the new Somali students who arrive in Malaysia. However, through their struggles and determination, one can get a sense of optimism and hope that at last these new generation of Somali students who are busy studying  here in Malaysia and elsewhere might pull Somalia out of the mess we find ourselves in.  

The Utara Malaysia University near the Thai Border recently proudly congratulated the Somali graduates. I was touched by the respect paid to the Somali flag. Thank you Malaysia. Today, Somalia is down, but not out. History will record your good deed and the Somali people will never forget what you have done for them in their hour of need. 

It was a nice feeling to find the Somali flag flying at the Utara Malaysia University. This was days before the Students graduation ceremony. 

The families of the Somali students in Malaysia obviously worked hard to support them live and study in KL, Malaysia. I have not heard any scholarships available to these Somali students. This might be something the successful Somali businesses around the world should consider doing. The successful Somali telecommunication and remittance companies should consider helping these bright and eager Somali students- this is worthwhile future investment for Somalia.   

The UN and others who spend $millions on never-ending meetings in Nairobi and elsewhere should also consider investing in these students who will become the future leaders of Somalia. 

The number of Somali students in Malaysia is increasing very fast and the only consular support they receive is from the Somali embassy based in Jakarta. I have received many positive comments from the students and other Somali community members in the region regarding the support they receive from the Somali ambassador in Jakarta. The Somali government should also consider engaging these students and support them; this will definitely help the rebuilding of Somalia within short time.

Not unlike the Arab poet of the Andalus days who saw a palm tree in South America, and asked the palm tree what brought him so far away from home. A Somali activist, pays respect to a flag that like him feels lonely in a crowded world.

Unfortunately many Somalis do not appreciate this generosity and unique opportunity due to the trauma they suffered back home which impacts on their thinking. Many of the Somali students do not have the necessary educational foundations to take advantage of a tertiary level education. Some of them struggle with modern life in fast developing Asian country as they still carry the violence and tribal package from Somalia which causes minor problems among them. However, these are minor issues and I'm confident that the students' leadership will come up with ways to overcome them.

 If you are interested to know more about this story and my visits to Malaysia and related projects on education in Somalia, drop a line to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it