The disconnect between Putrajaya and industry
The protest against Myanmar worsens the labour problem and exposes Malaysia to criticism from fellow Asean countries.
It is worrying that there seems to be a disconnect between those who walk the corridors of power and those who keep the wheels of industry turning.
Myanmar’s decision to bar its citizens from working in Malaysia has drawn conflicting reactions from the Human Resources Ministry and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM).
Human Resources Minister Richard Riot Jaem has said that Myanmar’s move would not affect Malaysia and any of the industries in the country because many people from other countries are keen to work here.
However, FMM, whose members employ more than 100,000 Myanmar nationals, has said that the Myanmar government’s decision, coupled with the freeze on the recruitment of foreign workers, will worsen the labour shortage problem.
It remains unclear whether the disconnect is caused by a lack of communication between the government and FMM or by the government’s lack of understanding of what is happening on the ground.
It is clear, however, that Putrajaya’s open condemnation of the Myanmar government has had repercussions on those who have not had a say in its actions.
There’ll be continuing debate on whether Putrajaya made the right move in opting for a less than diplomatic route to express displeasure over the Rohingya crisis. Questions over its motives will persist as well.
But for now, the government must focus on helping the FMM and its members cope with the freeze.
If the Human Resources Ministry believes that industries would not be affected, then it must explain to FMM and its members how it will help resolve the problems they are facing in relation to the shortage of manpower and the losses incurred in the payment of the various fees involved in the recruitment of foreign workers.
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Perhaps Putrajaya should also prepare to defend itself against criticism from other countries over interference in the affairs of a fellow Asean country. Above all, it must realise that it is now in a weaker position to protest against any foreign attempt to interfere in Malaysia’s affairs.