It is no longer a question as to whether Malaysia would impose restrictions on the intake of foreign labour, but, when this would take place. According to Malaysia’s Deputy Minister for Human Resources, Mr.Abdul Rahman Baker, such a possibility is real and the details of a new and comprehensive labour policy were being worked out. The first draft may be ready by this March.
As per reports appearing in Malaysia’s National News Agency, the present foreign workforce of about two million would be reduced in gradual phases by 50% by year 2015. This means that the fresh intake would be practically nil or would severely restricted to areas like construction and plantation only. The front line jobs would be thrown open to only Malaysian Nationals in places such as Airport and Hotels. This is not only to open new opportunities for them but also to project the country’s image.
The issue has taken a political dimension with recent uprisings against the country by Hindu Rights Action Force(Hindraf). The ‘Hindraff’ has been carrying on a campaign accusing the Malaysia’s Government of alleged marginalization of Malaysia’s ethnic Indian minority. Malaysia on the other hand accused them of allegedly fanning racial hat redness which posed a threat to national security. Consequently, the Malaysian Government has detained five of their leaders under the Internal Security Act and put them in jail without any charges or trial. The detained leaders it is reported has begun a fast in protest against this, but this is yet to be officially confirmed.
Leave Your Comments