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?
“I am shocked to learn from MTUC president Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud that
in his 44 months as prime minister, Abdullah never met with MTUC leaders despite
repeated requests for a dialogue,” he told a press conference at the Parliament
lobby.
<p>According to Lim, this casts an adverse reflection on the premier’s inclinations
and sympathies.</p>
<p>“A pro-labour prime minister would have had several meetings with MTUC
leaders already in the three years and eight months Abdullah has been prime
minister,” he said.</p>
<p>The opposition leader urged the premier to immediately rectify this ‘failing’
in his leadership.</p>
<p>Lim also said that MTUC had presented a seven-page memorandum to Abdullah a
week before the union carried out a nationwide picket on Monday, but the memorandum
did not elicit any appropriate response from Abdullah.</p>
<p>On Monday, MTUC staged a nationwide picket in 14 locations after discussions
with the government on its campaign for a minimum wage of RM900 and cost of
living (Cola) of RM300 for private sector employees came to a deadlock.</p>
<p>Lim said Abdullah’s first priority upon returning from his official visit
to Russia, Italy and Bosnia should be to meet with MTUC leaders.</p>
<p>“Abdullah should initiate a tripartite dialogue on MTUC’s demand
for minimum wage and Cola for private sector workers to avert a large scale
industrial action which would not be conducive to enhancing Malaysia’s
international competitiveness,” he said.</p>
<p><b>Fostering integrity</b></p>
<p>Meanwhile, Lim also urged Abdullah to ensure that all ministers and deputy
ministers read a book titled National Integrity System.</p>
<p>He said the book, commissioned by the Malaysian Institute of Integrity, was
launched in May by the prime minister.</p>
<p>“It talks about the role of various parties, including the executive,
in contributing to national integrity.</p>
<p>“The executive plays a role in building, maintaining and respecting the
country’s integrity system,” he said, adding that a clear leadership
and political will are needed to maintain a clean government.</p>
<p>Citing the example of a deputy minister from Sarawak who is under police probe
for his alleged involvement in gangsterism, Lim urged him to come forward and
explain.</p>
<p>“A deputy minister who dare not openly answer questions on whether he
is investigated by the police does not foster the culture of integrity,”
he said.</p>
<p>Nobody is condemning him as guilty, but the question is whether or not he is
under investigation, he added.</p>
<p>“The public is interested to know if a deputy minister is under police
investigation,” said Lim, who also urged Abdullah to disclose the name
of this deputy minister.</p>
<p>On June 25, The Star reported that a deputy minister and a senior politician
in Sarawak are under police probe for alleged involvement in gangsterism, illegal
logging and attempted bribery of senior police officers.</p>
<p><i>Source: http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/69208</i>
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