The new government’s thrust with the Malaysia Madani (Civil Malaysia) framework to reform our battered society is notable.
As momentum gathers to make the madani concept take root and flourish for the benefit of all Malaysians, it should also provide a beacon of hope for the long-neglected and exploited migrant workers in the country.
The first batch of 800 Indonesian domestic workers have now arrived under a “one-channel system”, resulting from an earlier Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Malaysia and Indonesia, signed in April 2022. These workers will be provided with protection and better benefits, including the minimum wage of RM1,500. This is historic.
The Ministry of Human Resources reportedly said a joint working group from Malaysia and Indonesia is monitoring the implementation of the MoU.
Malaysia Madani must now emulate this Indonesian initiative to protect Indonesian nationals in Malaysia and come up with a workable standard for workers from other countries as well.
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If Indonesia can circumvent the layers of corruption over decades of exploitation of its nationals employed as domestic workers in Malaysia, surely Malaysian Madani can and must ease the plight of tens of thousands (if not millions) of other foreign workers here. Many of them have been silently suffering abuse, exploitation, and mental and emotional duress because of the corruption inherent within this business of supplying and employing cheap labour.
As we herald the Malaysia Madani concept, the nation must review its policy direction and strategy implementation for all sectors. In the process, we must not forget our responsibilities to these long exploited and often victimised migrant workers. They have contributed immensely to our economy for decades and will continue to do so in the future.
Malaysia Madani’s core values of sustainability, care and compassion, respect, innovation, prosperity and trust must have a transformational impact on the lives of these migrant workers.
As we push ahead with conviction and passion to make the dream of a reformed Malaysia a reality, I pray that Malaysia will take the lead from Indonesia and correct the equation for all the other source countries too.
If Indonesia can break through with the “one-channel system” to address the decades of misery endured by its nationals employed as domestic workers in Malaysia, I am confident Malaysia Madani will provide these workers with a whole new world of dignity, security, justice and hope.
Let Malaysia Madani be a significant game-changer in addressing the long-neglected plight of all migrant workers in Malaysia.
When we commit to this task, it will produce a powerful image that will restore the reputation of our nation.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
