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?
According to a source familiar with the negotiations, the US had been applying “pressure” on the Malaysian party with regard to labour issues.
<P>This was among several issues that needed
to be resolved by the two parties soon, added the source, who declined to elaborate.
</P><P>The source said that at the fourth day of the talks yesterday, officials
from both delegations deliberated on new areas such as technical trade barriers,
textiles and telecommunications. </P><P>Another source said labour was among the
important issues discussed for the benefit of both countries, refuting criticisms
from non-governmental organisations that it was not given consideration. </P><P>He
added that the fifth round of talks was not concluded as more time was needed
to finalise the agreement. </P><P>The talks will be concluded today, and be followed
by a press briefing by US Assistant Trade Representative for the Asia-Pacific,
Barbara Weisel. </P><P>Weisel is leading the US delegation, while International
Trade and Industry Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Rahman Mamat heads the
Malaysian camp. </P><P>Earlier yesterday, Bernama quoted Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah
Aziz as saying that issues related to the New Economic Policy, rice, tobacco and
government procurement were expected to be dropped from the talks. </P><P>She
had described the issues as a “no go” and that the US understood that
the Malaysian party was not discussing them. </P><P>Rafidah said the US wanted
to study how it could expand its presence in Malaysia’s financial services
sector and the gains to be reaped from Malaysia’s textile industry. </P><P>She
said the on-going FTA talks were positive, adding that there could be several
more rounds of negotiations up to July.</P><P><I>Source: http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/2/9/business/16829358&sec=business</I>
Address: Wisma MTUC,10-5, Jalan USJ 9/5T, 47620 Subang Jaya,Selangor | Tel: 03-80242953 | Fax: 03-80243225 | Email: sgmtuc@gmail.com.com