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New Straits Times (Malaysia)
Thursday, February 17, 2005
KUALA LUMPUR - Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib
Razak tonight explained Malaysia's stand on the
repatriation of illegal workers and related issues on
Indonesia's national television.
In a 22-minute interview with Metro TV, which was also
shown on TV3's Buletin Utama, Najib spoke about
Malaysia's nationwide crackdown on illegal immigrants
that will start on March 1.
This marks the end of an amnesty programme that
Malaysia has extended twice at Indonesia's request,
and will see about 400,000 illegal workers being
persuaded to leave the country by the deadline.
Speaking as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad
Badawi's representative, Najib said there was a
mistaken perception that Indonesian illegal workers
were not being treated fairly by Malaysian employers.
He said Malaysia wanted these same workers to come
back legally so they can be protected from being
exploited.
"Generally, the workers here were treated well and
were satisfied. But what we are doing is to allow them
to go back to Indonesia, and go through the processes
so they come back as quickly as possible. When they
are working legally, they are protected," he said.
He said the Malaysian Government had asked the Human
Resources Ministry to find the employers who had
allegedly not paid the illegal workers, and take
appropriate action.
"Of course, we will take action if any law has been
broken", he said when asked if there would be
penalties against errant employers.
Asked on Indonesian President Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono's visit here and its impact on bilateral
relations, Najib said the close ties between both
countries were clearly reflected in the personal
relationship between the two top leaders.
"Based on that sincerity to find ways to enhance
bilateral relationship, I am sure there will be the
opening of new chapters such as in investments, and
the opening of factories or new projects", he said.
Najib also spoke about Malaysia's reconstruction plan
for the tsunami- ravaged Aceh province. |
Acehnese Refugees in Malaysia
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