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