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 event, organised by UCSI’s Social Science and Liberal Arts Association
(SSLA), saw guest speaker Irene Fernandez from non-governmental organisation Tenaganita giving a talk on human trafficking.
<P>Fernandez said Tenaganita’s main
objective was to promote and protect women and migrant workers in Malaysia. </P><P>“Our
role is also to create opportunities for women and immigrants and help them develop
their potential. </P><P>“Everyone needs to play a role to help solve problems
pertaining to violence and social inequality,” she said. </P><P>The second
speaker, UCSI’s vice-president (research and corporate affairs) Prof Dr Norfadzillah
Hitam, said laws to protect women’s rights had to be introduced and enforced.
</P><P>“We also need to educate our young people on issues pertaining to
sexual discrimination. When they graduate, they need to know how to conduct themselves,”
she said. </P><P>Student adviser Ken Choong said he felt compassion for women
who had endured hardships such as migrant workers and victims of human trafficking
and domestic violence. </P><P>“I think it is important that we get out of
our comfort zone and lend a hand to these people. We need to put ourselves in
their shoes,” he said. </P><P>Choong spelt out a three-step formula for all
tertiary students: </P><P>• EDUCATE yourselves by recognising the social
ills around you; </P><P>• BE AWARE of the existence of non-governmental organisations
(NGOs) like Tenaganita; and </P><P>• GET yourselves involved with the NGOs
through volunteerism. </P><P>“If we adopt these three steps, we can make
a difference in the society we are living in,” he said. </P><P>Mass Communications
students led by Michelle Lim and Sheila Dewy also managed to raise funds from
the sale of cakes and flowers for the Women’s Aid Organisation. </P><P><I>Source:
http://thestar.com.my/education/story.asp?file=/2007/3/25/education/17171282</I>
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