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 said his promise of good governance
and human rights improvement had raised hopes of making a break with the poor
human rights record of his predecessor, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
<P>"While
there has been a reduction of pressure on human rights groups and lawyers, there
has been virtually no institutional reform," the international body said
in its World Report 2007 released on Friday.</P><P>"The Abdullah administration
has failed to dismantle the legal framework that allows security officials to
detain persons indefinitely without charge or trial.</P><P>"Abuses against
refugees and migrants continue to be reported and public discussions on interfaith
issues and religious freedom are restricted."</P><P>HRW also noted the government’s
inaction in implementing the recommendations by the Royal Commission to Enhance
the Royal Malaysia Police.</P><P>However, it observed that since Sept 11, 2001,
international criticism of Malaysia’s human rights records has decreased and Malaysia
played significant role in regional and global issues.</P><P>This was judging
from its position in chairing Asean and the Organisation of Islamic Conference,
and facilitating negotiations between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic
Liberation Fund.</P><P>theSun talked to three human rights non-governmental organisations
to glean their views on the report’s assessment of Malaysia:</P><P>Human Rights
Society of Malaysia (Hakam) president Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, who has been in regular
contact with HRW: "Respect for human rights on the part of the government
still has a long way to go. The HRW report confirms this. A culture of rights
is yet to be firmly established in Malaysia.</P><P>"As a member of the United
Nations Commission on Human Rights, it is unacceptable that Malaysia has failed
to ratify fundamental and key human rights treaties, such as the Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights, the Convention for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
and the Convention Against Torture.</P><P>"Does this mean the government
believes it is permissible to violate these rights, or that Malaysians are not
entitled to these rights? The failure cannot be justified.</P><P>"The government
must take steps to follow through with the promises it has made to Malaysians,
that the rights of all Malaysians are protected and all are equal."</P><P>Irene
Fernandez, co-founder and director of Tenaganita, which contributed some information
on the country’s situation to HRW: "The report is fair in stating where human
rights violations are concerned, like in the case of the Internal Security Act
(ISA), which allows detention without trial.</P><P>"The saddest part is about
the Royal Commission’s report. It was a bold step for Abdullah to have the commission
but implementation-wise, there was no progress. That is where the walk-the-talk
is about. So now, we are back to square one.</P><P>"And, the government’s
attitude towards migrant workers, I see it as a recalcitrant behaviour."</P><P>Suara
Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) director Elizabeth Wong: "The report is not very
different from Suaram’s overview of 2006, released in December last year. It was
interesting for them to note the few key areas in human rights that need improvement.</P><P>"The
government must take serious note of this report as it can be considered an international
audit, how international human rights organisations view Malaysia.</P><P>"The
report is also read by business communities and international policy makers,"
she said.</P><P><I>Source: http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=16668</I>
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