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?
The activists held a noisy protest outside a luxury hotel in Malaysia’s largest
city Kuala Lumpur where officials are conducting a third round of talks on the
pact that they hope to conclude next year.
<p>
Malaysia is the United States’ 10th-largest trading partner, with US$44 billion
(€35 billion) in two-way trade in 2005. Officials say that figure will
double by 2010 if the pact is signed.</p>
<p>
But some Malaysians oppose the deal, fearing it would lead to job losses and
the erosion of workers’ rights.</p>
<p>
"U.S. Get Out!" chanted about 100 protesters, standing side-by-side
Monday outside the hotel. They held placards reading, "Don’t Trade our
Lives" and "Don’t Let America Rule Malaysia."</p>
<p>
The activists, from a coalition of 35 groups, are also worried that a deal would
lift protections on the agriculture sector and the end of cheap, generic drugs
now available to those with HIV/AIDS and other diseases.</p>
<p>
"In many countries, such FTAs are creating more misery than good. We are
concerned about the future of this country," said one of the protesters,
Malaysian Trade Union Congress president Syed Shahir.</p>
<p>
The protest was far smaller than the 10,000 people promised by the organizers,
the Alliance Against the US-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement.</p>
<p>
Two more rounds of talks are planned with officials hoping to wrap up negotiations
by December and conclude the pact by July 2007, the expiry of U.S. President
George W. Bush’s authority to negotiate trade deals that require Congressional
approval.</p>
<p>
The protesters handed a memorandum to a Malaysian official, demanding the trade
ministry suspend all negotiations until a comprehensive cost-benefit study is
done in an open and transparent manner.</p>
<p>
They dispersed after nearly two hours, and police made no arrests.</p>
<p>
"We are still very far behind the U.S. in terms of development, constitutional
laws and institutions. We need to strengthen our institutions first. We need
to get our house in order to be in a position to bargain," said Xavier
Jayakumar, chairman of the alliance.</p>
<p>
"We are not against trade but we should work toward multilateral agreements
where interests of developing nations will be protected," he added.</p>
<p>
U.S. and Malaysian officials declined to comment on the protest, or give details
of the weeklong talks.</p>
<p>
American negotiators have called for transparency in awarding of Malaysian government
contract for which U.S. firms are keen to bid, greater imports of foreign cars
and better access to financial markets.</p>
<p>
The protection of intellectual property rights for drugs, software and other
products are other key items on the negotiating table, officials have said.
Address: Wisma MTUC,10-5, Jalan USJ 9/5T, 47620 Subang Jaya,Selangor | Tel: 03-80242953 | Fax: 03-80243225 | Email: sgmtuc@gmail.com.com