Goodwill, forgiveness for RI illegals in Malaysia
Goodwill, forgiveness for RI illegals in Malaysia
New Straits Times, Kuala Lumpur
What began as a gesture of goodwill to the new government of
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and the people of Indonesia,
and limited to illegal workers from that country, has now become
a two-week amnesty to all undocumented migrants living and
working in Malaysia, irrespective of their country of origin.
By extending the reprieve to all illegal foreign workers,
without regard to race or religion, the government demonstrates
the spirit of charity and forgiveness that epitomize the Muslim
fasting month of Ramadhan. Earlier, the government had heeded
appeals from Indonesian officials to delay plans for the mass
deportation of illegal workers in view of the legislative and
presidential elections.
In attending the inauguration of Indonesia's first popularly
elected president, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had
already sent a clear signal about the importance of good
relations with its close Asean neighbor. The generosity of spirit
displayed in the offer of amnesty should give efforts to enhance
bilateral ties between the two countries in general, and to
resolve the long-standing problem of illegal Indonesian migrants
in particular, a good start in the early days of the republic's
new government.
Bearing in mind what happened the last time such an amnesty
was offered, goodwill and close co-operation between the two
countries will be badly needed, as the planned massive crackdown
on illegal foreign labor is expected to begin in January. If and
when that happens will depend, of course, on how many decide to
return home to celebrate Deepavali, Idulfitri or Christmas with
their families and friends, and more importantly, not to return
to Malaysia unless it is through legal channels.
Home Affairs Minister Azmi Khalid is confident that if they
decide to stream back into the country to continue working
without proper documents, they "would not be able to hide from
enforcement officers". Many Malaysians may be forgiven for not
sharing the minister's faith in the effectiveness of the
enforcement agencies. It is a mystery to many why, despite three
Ops Nyah over the last 13 years where thousands of illegals were
rounded up and deported, we still have more than a million of
them.
In truth, the government agencies have a poor track record in
enforcing immigration laws. The minister is also confident that
his ministry is better prepared to deal with the logistical
problems of repatriating the illegals. It is hoped that his trust
is not misplaced. Two years ago, our relations with Indonesia
soured following allegations of abuse during the mass expulsion.
It is vital that such problems do not erupt again. There is a
need for effective communication and better coordination between
Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta, something which was sorely missing
during the previous amnesty and deportation.