Malaysia is one of Asia's biggest employers of foreign labour. But recently, cases of deaths, abuse and forced labour have come to light. What is going on? Who is protecting these migrant workers?
Cuepacs secretary-general Ahmad Shah Mohd Zin said the amendment added to the
red tape.
<p>According to the Bill, unions would require written approval from the Trade
Unions Department director-general before entering into any agreement with anyone
who undertook to raise funds or collect moneys for or on behalf of trade unions.
</p>
<p>“Show us the percentage of unions that have collected funds the wrong
way. We have no problems with the current system so why the extra red tape?”
he told The Star.</p>
<p>Ahmad Shah said they would meet with Malaysian Trades Union Congress leaders
today to discuss issues relating to the Bill. </p>
<p>“We will then send a protest note to Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri
Dr Fong Chan Onn,” he added. </p>
<p>The Bill, together with the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill 2007, was
tabled for the first reading in Parliament on July 3 but had yet to be debated.
</p>
<p>MTUC had expressed unhappiness over amendments in both Bills. </p>
<p>Meanwhile, Dr Fong denied a newspaper report that Parliament would delay tabling
the Bills following objections by MTUC. </p>
<p>Dr Fong said the current amendments to the Bills did not preclude future amendments.
</p>
<p>“The door is always open for MTUC to express its views on the Bills. If
there is a need for future amendments, we will do so,” he said after opening
the Malaysian Association of Tyre Retreaders and Dealers Societies First Term
Tyre Technicians Convocation.</p>
<p><i>Source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/7/9/nation/18250131&sec=nation</i>
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