Cooperation is the word

Cooperation is the word

Pound-for-pound of diplomacy, not much could match the heft of
the brief two days spent here by Indonesian President Susilo
Bambang Yudhoyono and his A-list entourage of ministers this
week. Within two months of the seismic catastrophes in northern
Sumatra, Malaysia is firmly ensconced in Aceh province as a
principal donor of relief funds and provider of aid and
reconstruction.

Concomitantly, the matter of illegal immigration could not
have been better addressed than against this backdrop of
unquestionable sympathy.

We might only hope, therefore, that the occasionally
intemperate positions taken by some Indonesian media and
commentators on the issue of Malaysia's policy directions vis-a-
vis unregulated foreign workers are balanced by their
acknowledgement, at least, of the noble intentions behind what is
being presented as Draconian or high-handed measures in the
marshaling and repatriation of Indonesians illegally here.

It is precisely for the sake of their legitimate rights, as
foreign citizens, employees and human beings, that these measures
are being taken. As Malaysia's Prime Minister asked of his
people, so Malaysia asks of Indonesia: Work with us, for the sake
of those of your people who would work for us.

-- New Straits Times, Kuala Lumpur