By TK Chua
When I read the FMT report “Minister: Employers complicit in influx of illegal migrants” earlier today, I was doubtful whether Human Resource Minister Richard Riot fully understood what he was saying.
According to him, employers are working hand in hand with agencies to bring in illegal workers.
So here is my simple question: If employers are colluding with worker agencies to subvert the nation’s laws and regulations, may I know whose responsibility is it to do something about it?
Who controls the entry and exit points of the country? Who sets the policies on employment and usage of foreign workers?
Who monitors and controls foreign workers while they are in our country? If required, who detains and subsequently deports foreign workers out of this country?
As far as I know, employers and agencies do not decide on this. It is their job to comply with all laws and regulations as enacted and promulgated by the government.
If they violate any of the laws and regulations, they too will be subjected to prosecution and punishment.
It is the responsibility of the human resources ministry, home affairs ministry, Immigration Department and the police to enforce all existing laws.
It is the job of all government agencies to ensure compliance by employers and worker agencies, not the other way round.
If the government can blame employers and worker agencies for the malaise we face today, there is really no need for laws, regulations and enforcement.
What could be more convenient than to blame it on employers and worker agencies?
The minister also talked about giving priority to Malaysians when it comes to employment. But how do we give priority to Malaysians when foreign workers are everywhere?
How does upgrading of skills among Malaysians help when the whole “production function” of the country has gravitated toward low skills and low productivity levels?
Finally, I believe this is the biggest irony of all when the minister said the recruitment of foreign workers is only open to five sectors, which are less attractive to local workers, namely construction, agriculture, forestry, manufacturing and services.
Does the minister know these five sectors are almost equivalent to the whole Malaysian economy?
Does the minister know if these five sectors are open to foreign workers, there is practically nothing left for local workers?
Other than mining, can the minister name me a sector that is not included in one of these five?
The displacement of local workers by foreigners and its attendant impact on “production function” is one of the biggest issues confronting this country today.
The people deserve more serious attention from the government.
It does appear to me the minister’s views are cursory, with a lack of understanding on the protracted problems involved.
TK Chua is an FMT reader.
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