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 is because the government is seeking US assistance
in the form of technical collaboration to help develop the SME sector, she said
in an interview here.
<P>She also stressed that Washington "isn’t asking
for much" from Malaysia, only for such matters as access for US products
into Malaysia’s rice and unprocessed tobacco markets without increased duties.</P><P>Rafidah
assured that the Barisan Nasional-led government is being responsible in handling
the FTA negotiations.</P><P>"Don’t worry," she said. "We are being
very careful. We are deliberating at length each issue. Whatever we agree upon
is what we ought to agree upon."</P><P>She explained that should Malaysia’s
requests be accepted, a huge potential market will open up for Malaysia.</P><P>"This
will in turn raise investor confidence in our country," she said. "Many
countries have sought FTAs from the US but failed because America doesn’t want
FTAs with all countries.</P><P>"The US agreed to have FTA talks with us because
we are one of its top trading partners."</P><P>Asked on the mandate Prime
Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had given for the talks, Rafidah said
he had told the Cabinet that the negotiations should carry on so long as national
sovereignty isn’t brought into question.</P><P>Rafidah stressed that both Malaysia
and the US are hopeful that the FTA will be realised.</P><P>"My opinion and
that of US Trade Representative Susan Schwab are the same," she said. "At
the outset we had already discussed which issues both nations are prepared to
negotiate on and which are off the table.</P><P>"They didn’t pressure. These
are negotiations. Not a life and death matter. We try to accommodate each other’s
requests. If both parties are satisfied, then the FTA will emerge. If not, there
will be no FTA." Rafidah reiterated that Malaysia will not be rushed because
the US government’s fast-track process for FTA negotiations will expire soon.</P><P>While
she would like to see a timely conclusion of the talks, "we must hold fast
to our principles. If we marry, it shouldn’t be for flimsy reasons. The principle
is that if you want to marry (us), embrace Islam." — BERNAMA</P><P><I>Source:
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news_business.php?id=252612</I>
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