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?
"It is a modern way of thinking conform to democracy and with science
and technology," he said.
<p>However, he said, the mainstream of the muslim philosophy developed by Nahdlatul
Ulama and Muhammadiyah were actually similar to the Islam Hadhari philosophy.</p>
<p>"By bestowing the honorary title to Badawi, it is hoped progressive Islam
can get reach a momentum in Indonesia," he said.</p>
<p>The ceremony was marred by a demonstration held by "Migrant Care",
a non governmental organisation engaged in protecting Indonesian migrant workers.</p>
<p>However, the action, which was launched by 10 people, could be dispersed peacefully
by campus security personnel.</p>
<p>Director of Migrant Care, Anis Hidayah said that the NGO has asked UIN Syarif
Hidayatullah to cancel the planned appreciation for Badawi because the Malaysian
Prime Minister had breached Islamic Hadhari`s principles as he is held responsible
for the inhuman treatment of Indonesian migrant workers by their employers in
Malaysia.</p>
<p>They asked Badawi, among other things, to stop the restrictions imposed by
Malaysian employers on migrant workers in conducting religious activities like
prayers, and punish employers who had breached Malaysian employment regulations.</p>
<p>They also asked Badawi to revise the Indonesia-Malaysia memorandum of understanding
(MoU) on protection of migrant workers conform to the seven international labor
standards.</p>
<p>Finally, they asked Badawi to meet the basic needs of Indonesian migrant workers
in Malaysia, including their wages, holidays, breaktime, and right to join an
organisation. (*)
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