This is the story of a foreign student from Myanmar who dares to raise awareness for the rights of the Rohingya refugees who live in Malaysia.
Min Kaung Htet Ko Ko, or Ko Ko for short, is a student from Myanmar, who came to Malaysia in 2017, during the height of the Rohinya genocide. He is currently pursuing his Masters in Chemical Engineering at a University in Kuala Lumpur.
When asked about the memory of living in Myanmar (now Burma), he simply replies, “Just like millions, I too was silent about the suffering of my people. I grew up as a Muslim minority in a country rife with racism and religious discrimination.”
“We had news anchors addressing us by the word “Kalar” (which is equivalent to the “N-word” for Black people) on national TV and I wanted to detach myself from the reality I had endured back home.”
As a person born into discrimination, as a Muslim in Myanmar, Koko learnt early on how important an education is.
“When Malaysians find out that I’m studying my Masters, and I’m not here as a refugee, they show me respect, and do not discriminate against me.”
He reflects on the harsh treatment of Rohingya refugees, who are also from Myanmar in Malaysia. “The reason I give 200% of my effort in my education is to safeguard myself.”
Image: In Real Life Malaysia/Min Kaung Htet Ko Ko
“I just earned my first post-nominal title a month ago and that was because of a competition I happened to be in,” says Ko Ko, who is now the No. 2 in the world. “I owe my success in my studies to the people that taught me everything I know and I always make it a priority to credit my lecturers.”
Ko ko continues, “We’ve published four times together and came out as champions in eight competitions. I couldn’t be prouder to be Burmese because of this. I refuse to let the world shun me like it did my people.”
Poetry with A Cause
Ko Ko, in his free time often partakes in Open Mics and poetry recitals held around KL. He writes and does spoken word poetry about his life as a Burmese student in Malaysia. He also writes about other oppressed nations like Palestine that share the same struggle.
“I intend to make my people’s struggle be heard and seen through representation: in academia, industry, and the literary arts.”
Image: In Real Life Malaysia/Min Kaung Htet Ko Ko
“If I hadn’t gone into chemical engineering, I would have gone into English literature,” says the final year student.
“English was my strongest subject in school and when all my friends went out to play, I’d be spending my time catching up in class. Fortunately, I had a penchant for writing.”
Ko ko writes all of his own poetry, inspired by his everyday experience and political events around the world.
When asked what he wishes Malaysians knew about Burmese people, he comments, “I wish Malaysians knew that Burmese people are just like them, Southeast Asian. We have so much shared culture and cuisine but all they seem to know is how much they don’t want Rohingya refugees to live on their land.”
Malaysia, A Second Home
Despite the challenges, there are plenty of things he loves about his life here. “I love my lecturers and my co-workers at the university library. I love how I can get anywhere with public transportation in KL.”
Image: In Real Life Malaysia/Min Kaung Htet Ko Ko
“I love how Halal food is never scarce here. I love being able to pray anywhere and to have my faith respected.” He notes that living as a Muslim here is much easier and accessible.
Finally, he comments on his love for Malaysian food, noting that he could have sambal belacan and fried tempeh anyday, his favourite being nasi campur.
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