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?
This strange request came from an employer who obviously did not want romance
to hinder the smooth operations of his firm, as experienced by some who had
employed Bangladeshi workers in the past.
<p>The request to supply Pakistani workers who are not handsome surprised the
Overseas Employment Corporation of Pakistan (OEC) executive director Zafar Ali.
</p>
<p>OEC managing director Masood-ur-Rahman Masood smiled at the idea that Malaysian
men were "threatened" by the Pakistanis’ tall, dark and handsome looks.
</p>
<p>"There should be no problems. Our two countries are friends and shouldn’t
pose any problem to one another. </p>
<p>"Pakistanis have strong family ties, and are Muslims so there will not
be any problems of that kind," added Zafar. </p>
<p>Masood was here yesterday to meet and discuss with interested Malaysian employers
on procedures to employ Pakistanis at the High Commission of Pakistan here.
</p>
<p>He said while it had been reported that Malaysians feared extremists and militants
entering the country in the process, none of the prospective employers had expressed
this fear. </p>
<p>"What they stated was they wanted to be assured of workers who are capable
and suitable for the jobs, and that they won’t run away," he said. </p>
<p>He said all Pakistanis would be screened before being sent to work overseas
and the OEC co-operated with the district police, federal investigation agency
(FIA) and intelligence bureau in Pakistan in vetting their background. </p>
<p>"Certainly," he said when asked if this would guarantee there would
be no Taliban and al-Qaeda terrorists among those coming here. </p>
<p>Masood said that so far 25 Malaysian companies in the agriculture, construction,
services and manufacturing sectors, had stated their intentions to employ Pakistanis.
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