Contextualizing socio-legal problems of Sudanese youth in Malaysia: a case study

• Main Author: Kadouf, Hunud Abia
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English; English
• Published: Sudan Knowledge 2016
• Subjects: HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/51369/1/51369_Hunud.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/51369/5/51369_Contextualizing%20socio-legal%20problems%20of%20Sudanese.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/51369/; http://www.sudanknowledge.org/download/contextualizing-socio-legal-problems-of-sudanese-youths-in-malaysia-a-case-study/

Purpose Malaysia has become a major destination for Sudanese youth particularly for education purposes. There are however, some impending social problems that have erupted hence adversely affecting their existential relationship with the host society. The diversified nature of these problems has apparently transcended their entire expectations. This paper identifies the increasing challenges and prevalent social problems among Sudanese youth in Malaysia and gives suggestions for mutual acceptance and tolerance. Design/Methodology/Approach This study adopts mixed methodologies including qualitative, quantitative as well as comparative methods. The target groups are two categories of Sudanese Youth i.e., those who came at a mature age for study purposes (undergraduate, postgraduate and training) and those students -between the ages of 15 and 25years who were born in Malaysia. An attempt will also be made to engage in general discussions on the philosophy, concepts and theories of Diaspora in the light of the Sudanese youth’ precarious situation in Malaysia. Findings Based on the empirical data, cybercrime, cyber-bullying, drug abuse, online-shamming, racial tension, cross-marriages, Third Culture Kids (TCK) syndrome and problems of integration seem to be the major challenges of Sudanese youth in Malaysia. Originality/Value While the existing researches are based on the general problems and concerns of the African diaspora globally, this research is one of the earliest attempts focussing on a specific group of Sudanese Youth in Malaysia. There is dearth of knowledge on the problems and challenges of African and Sudanese Youth in Southeast Asia in general and Malaysia in particular and this research is an attempt to fill this gap. Practical implications Recommendations are made to improve mutual acceptance and tolerance between the Sudanese youth and the host community and further enhance bilateral relations/socialization and reorientation of the Sudanese youth as stakeholders in the host country. The research proffers suggestions that could be adapted beyond the Sudanese diaspora communities to that of other African Diaspora communities currently residing in Malaysia