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 Umno president said there was too much dependence on cheap, unskilled foreign labourers, be it legally or illegally.
<p>“The hiring of foreign workers in large numbers creates a negative impact
to industries and hinders our efforts to go high-tech at a time when we have
to switch to knowledge-based economy and advanced skills. </p>
<p>“We will not be able to achieve this target if we have too many foreign
workers. High productivity and advancement is not important to them like it
is to local workers. We must make sure this ‘addiction’ is addressed.
</p>
<p>“We need to institute changes as soon as possible and make sure local
workers are more skilled and knowledgeable to meet the challenges and needs
of the industry,” the Prime Minister said in his winding-up address at
the 58th Umno general assembly yesterday. </p>
<p>Abdullah said if productivity could be given a boost with the help of skilled
and knowledgeable workers as well as a highly advanced system, this “addiction”
on foreign workers could be stopped. </p>
<p>“Employers will realise how much this will benefit them. Not only that,
the country will also be reaping profits from this,” he added. </p>
<p>Recalling earlier times when many stopped schooling after Year Six to go to
work, he said it was now not sufficient to just have a secondary school education.
</p>
<p>Therefore, said the Prime Minister, the Government has ensured free education
so that no one could use poverty as an excuse for not sending their children
to school.</p>
<p><i>Source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/11/10/nation/19438319&sec=nation</i>
Address: Wisma MTUC,10-5, Jalan USJ 9/5T, 47620 Subang Jaya,Selangor | Tel: 03-80242953 | Fax: 03-80243225 | Email: sgmtuc@gmail.com.com