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?
"Don’t use the word clash. There is nothing wrong with what we are proposing," said Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Radzi Sheikh Ahmad yesterday.
<P>"We
are not taking away power from anyone. We are reducing red tape as directed by
the prime minister."</P><P>He was responding to Human Resources Minister
Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn’s unhappiness over the proposed legislation.</P><P>Radzi
stressed that the Bill was a proposal and had yet to be accepted by the Cabinet
Committee on Foreign Workers, which is to meet on March 2. "It could be rejected."</P><P>Radzi
said his ministry has been meeting with the Human Resources Ministry to work on
the details of the Bill, which was meant to streamline the procedures for foreign
workers.</P><P>Radzi said there were currently two million foreign workers in
the country.</P><P>Any confusion over the Bill and its powers could be sorted
out at the Cabinet Committee meeting on March 2, he said.</P><P>Fong had said
there were more than enough labour laws to govern local and foreign workers in
the country, and there was no need for more legislation.</P><P>There are 22 Acts
that govern and protect local and foreign workers.</P><P>"We cannot have
separate laws for foreign workers," Fong had said.</P><P>The Malaysian Trades
Union Congress came out in support of Fong and said migrant workers should fall
under the Human Resources Ministry.</P><P>MTUC secretary-general G. Rajasekaran
said the union received hundreds of complaints from migrant workers on non-payment
of wages, breach of contract and violation of provisions of the Employment Act
relating to overtime, working hours, paid sick leave, annual leave and public
holidays.</P><P>Radzi said yesterday the proposed Bill sought to address some
of these complaints.</P><P>The ministry is also proposing to put in place a mechanism,
which will allow mediation between the disputing parties.</P><P>"If they
can’t, then they can go to the Industrial Relations Department."</P><P>He
said the proposed Bill was also meant to ensure employers take responsibility
for their workers.</P><P>"Each employer must be responsible for his worker
and provide proper accommodation.</P><P>"It is not to restrict workers, but
to ensure that they are properly housed."</P><P><I>http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/nst/Sunday/National/20070225095056/Article/index_html</I>
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