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?
"If the US continues to demonstrate flexibility as shown during the third
round of negotiations (in Malaysia), I am confident a mutually beneficial agreement
could be reached in the very near future," Rafidah Aziz, trade minister
was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency.
<p>The US has said it wants to conclude talks for an FTA with Malaysia by the
end of the year, although Malaysia has previously said it will not be dictated
to by Washington’s deadline.</p>
<p>Rafidah, who is currently on a trade promotion tour of the US, said the US-Malaysia
Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations should be market driven.</p>
<p>"It will be more successful if we do away with the political objectives
and the conclusion be based on the market-driven aspects," she said.</p>
<p>Rafidah, who maintains Malaysia will not sign pacts with any country if it
involved sacrificing the interest of the majority ethnic Malays, reiterated
her position saying Malaysia still had to pursue the affirmative programme.</p>
<p>"It is necessary for the country to pursue some of the social and economic
objectives to achieve nation building in a multi-racial society," she said.</p>
<p>Malaysia last month concluded its third round of free-trade talks with the
US in which both parties expressed confidence in resolving the sensitive issue
of government procurement programs.</p>
<p>The next round of talks will be held in the US in December.
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