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?
Irene Fernandez, Director of Tenaganita Malaysia, an NGO concerned about the
fate of migrant workers — made the statement at the National Commission for
Women here recently.
<p>"There is an article (in the MoU) stating that work permits can be annulled
by the Malaysian government if migrant workers get married during his or her
working period.</p>
<p>"The article is a form of violence listed in the convention which Malaysia
has ratified," she said as quoted by Antara news agency.</p>
<p>Irene said: "The contract regulated in the MoU is also a binding contract.
So, migrant workers cannot leave their employers eventhough their employers
commit a violent action."</p>
<p>She said it would be better if the MoU referred the migrant workers as domestic
workers and not domestic servants because the definition closed a chance for
migrant workers to be recognised as workers.</p>
<p>"A servant is identical with one who has no rights," she said.</p>
<p>"Without having a basis to accommodate human rights, the MoU will only
preserve a number of abuses that have happened so far," she added. — BERNAMA
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