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Only with political will can the Malaysian Government begin to solve the immigrant problems.
Statement by Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong on illegal immigrants and enforcement. 5.2.2002.

 
Malaysia has legal and illegal immigrant problems for over two decades. When there is a concentration of immigrants from one nation, we tend to see challenges against our laws.

Since the early 80s last century, we have debated the issue of migrant
workers within and outside Parliament. But the Government has used its
two-third majority to stifle our attempts. It lacks effectiveness in its
efforts.

The Government has set up detention camps for illegal immigrants,
repatriating thousands mostly to Indonesia. About 70% of registered migrant workers are Indonesian.

In the modern era, various sectors need migrant workers because they cannot attract local workers. This trend occurs in advanced countries for many years. As long as there are demands, migrant workers will come. Similarly, Malaysian workers have gone to other countries such as Japan, Taiwan and U.S.A.

After the rioting by Indonesian workers in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, last
month, the Malaysian Cabinet has decided to reduce the number of Indonesian workers. However, illegals will continue to land along the long shorelines of Malaysia.

Yesterday, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department
Datuk Seri Dr

Rais Yatim said: "The local council president is aware of it
(illegal immigrants having food stalls and creating squatter areas in front
of their eyes), the district officer knows it and even the State Assemblyman has knowledge of it. But what action have they taken?

"Malaysia has adequate laws to deal with illegal immigrants but the
lackadaisical attitude of some authorities in enforcing them is the cause of the influx," he added.

POLITICAL WILL

It is difficult to produce witnesses and evidence to show that there are
irregularities. Yet, the number of legal and illegal immigrants shows that
something is not right.

Rias has repeated: "I have said this (corruption) with regard to corruption cases in Selayang and Ampang Jaya where illegals have been allowed to run businesses openly on both sides of the roads."

We require a royal commission. If we have 900,000 legal immigrants, how many illegals do we have? How many are running businesses and staying in squatter areas?

For over 20 years, the Government has been languid. We hope that it can change its listless attitude. Instead, it should have the political will to tackle the issue.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw

 

 
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