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?
However, a former Bar Council official feels the move would be unfair to the
workers in the event they had been laid off for more than two years.
<p>The mixed reaction followed a proposal that would be debated in Parliament
next week, which is purportedly aimed at increasing worker productivity and
the country’s competitiveness. </p>
<p>Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Bakar had said recently
that the amendment would ensure protection FOR not only local workers but also
foreigners. </p>
<p>The MTUC has since slammed the move, arguing that whether the dismissed person
is a management executive or a labourer, he or she should be fairly compensated
for the period of absence from work as a result of unfair dismissal. </p>
<p>Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) secretary Thavalingam Thavarajah said
the labour law was conceived many years ago for a different reason. </p>
<p>He added: “After 50 years, the private sector now plays a more dominant
role and the impact of the Industrial Court decisions will, in all likelihood,
influence foreign investment to a certain extent. </p>
<p>“There must be some certainty when it comes to back wages. Like in defamation
and personal injury cases, litigants must know their exposure.” </p>
<p>Former Bar Council vice-president and its former chairman of industrial court
practice, Datuk Roy Rajasingam, said the Industrial Court must give awards more
speedily and not wait for years. </p>
<p>However, he said limiting the cap to 24 months would encourage employers to
victimise employees and could result in severe injustice.</p>
<p><i>Source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/8/26/nation/18700166&sec=nation</i>
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