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?
"Malaysia is not tied down to any fixed timeframe. We will study thoroughly every issue being negotiated (before deciding on the free trade agreement)," he was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency.
<P>The US government on Friday all but ruled
out the chances of a deal with Malaysia before a crucial deadline expires in two
weeks.</P><P>US President George W Bush’s powers to fast-track trade agreements
expire in June. That gives US negotiators up to March 31 to present a deal for
a mandatory 90-day congressional review that would then be subject to just an
outright yes or no vote without amendments.</P><P>Steve Norton, a spokesman for
US Trade Representative Susan Schwab, said the Malaysian cabinet remained locked
in debate about crucial provisions of the deal, including government procurement
rules.</P><P><B>More time needed</B></P><P>After the latest round of talks in
February, Malaysia had informed the United States that it needed more time to
develop a political consensus in favour of the ambitious pact, he told AFP.</P><P>Najib
said Malaysia’s position on the free trade issue was clear in that Kuala Lumpur
would continue negotiations until both sides reached a consensus on the contentious
issues. He did not elaborate.</P><P>The two countries have held five rounds of
talks but negotiations have bogged down over 58 unresolved issues, and no further
rounds have been scheduled between the United States and its 10th-largest trading
partner.</P><P>Among sore points for US trade negotiators are Malaysia’s positive
discrimination policies for its majority-ethnic Malay community. The policies
give preferential treatment to Malay-run companies in the awarding of government
contracts.</P><P>Malaysian farmers, activists and opposition parties have been
demanding a halt to the talks, arguing a FTA would damage livelihoods. – AFP</P><P><I>Source:
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/64684</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