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?
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Samsudin Osman said he could not
dismiss the possibility that there would be a woman poised to take over his
place.
<p>"The Government plans to have at least 30% of decision-making posts reserved
for women civil servants. But at the rate of women joining the civil service,
we don’t have to.</p>
<p>"It will be just a matter of time before they assume the top posts,"
he said after visiting the Putrajaya International Convention Centre here yesterday,
which is hosting the NAM Ministerial Meeting on the Advancement of Women.</p>
<p>"In fact, I won’t be surprised if a woman takes over my post someday,"
he said.</p>
<p>However, Samsudin said he did not have the actual figures of women in the civil
service, but that the higher number of women staff only reflected the reality
of Malaysian society.</p>
<p>"After all, there are more women studying in universities than men.</p>
<p>"It is the same in other countries as well," he said.</p>
<p>Asked if the Government was concerned over the gender imbalance and whether
there would be any measure to correct it, Samsudin said:</p>
<p>"The Government does not want to practise any form of discrimination just
to help out the men.</p>
<p>"As long as the person for the top post is qualified, it doesn’t matter
if the person is a man or woman as long as he or she is capable."</p>
<p>On the recommendations made by Cuepacs on Workers Day to reinstate the tribunal
for public service, Samsudin said he had yet to study the details of the proposal.
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