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Statement by Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong on the advice by Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri that all Indonesian workers enter Malaysia legally. 29.8.2001.

Many countries have illegal immigrants such as UK and USA. In Malaysia, the problem is much bigger. In a population of 23 million, she has at least 1.5 million Indonesians, 600,000 being estimated as illegals. We have not included those from Bangladesh, Myanma, Thailand and Phillipines.

Yesterday, Megawati advised Indonesians to enter this country through legal channels as the republic wished to maintain good relations with Malaysia.

We hope that the Indonesian Government take effective measures to make sure that all immigrants have valid documents. This means getting rid of all hindrances such as bureaucracy, red-tape and corruption. Apparently, it is a hassle for Indonesians to go through legal channels.

Factors such as political and economic instability drive people to seek jobs outside the country. Hence, illegal syndicates thrive, exploiting people in a dire state. These exist in other countries such as USA, UK and China. We often hear of tragedies when these illegals are channeled through dangerous routes.

Malaysia has long shorelines. Illegals can land at over 70 spots, making it difficult for law-enforcers to detect. On the other hand, this provides some law-enforcers to break the law. These law-breakers prey on the illegals and the employers. For some, illegal immigration becomes a billion-dollar venture.

We hope Indonesia recovers. If she does well politically and economically, her neighbours like Malaysia benefit.

REVIEW MEASURES

Former Indonesian presidents Suharto and Abdul Rahman Wahid did make similar statement to stop illegal immigration. Because of various factors, we did not see effective follow-ups.

While we hope that Indonesian Government follows up President Megawati’s advice to make sure that Indonesians enter Malaysia legally, we wish the Malaysian Government review its measures to combat illegal immigrants. How does the Malaysian Government deal with law-enforcers who turn law-breakers?

Malaysia spends money to detain, feed and repatriate illegals. Many of those repatriated find their way back.

What is the part played by the navy, the marine police, the police and the local government enforcers? We should review their effectiveness and rectify their weaknesses.

We have to face illegal immigrants for many years. We need to find ways to deal with their impact on the country.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw