700 Migrant Worker protest in Muar on minimum wages - Why is the Labour Department not acting?

When worker rights are violated, the government and most media is not bothered or interested to report. Even, when the workers protest or picket - whereby one of the intention of such actions is to highlight the workers plight, get public (and government) attention - Rightfully, the Labour Department(Human Resource Department) should have immediately rushed over to investigate and resolve the issue. Here, the complaint was allegedly that the workers did not get their minimum wages or was related to the implementation of the minimum wage, which by law, they were entitled to receive as of January 2013.

In Muar, it is reported in the Sinar Harian(the report was in Malay), that workers' protest started on 7/3/2013 involving about 700 workers, many being migrant workers. [See 700 ratus pekerja protes isu gaji minima - hari ke-4 keadaan menjadi kecoh - MTUC kena segera bertindak..]

The protest apparently continued on 8/3/2013. 9/3/2013 and 10/3/2013. On 10/3/2013, a small group of about 20 workers allegedly entered and brought out the production manager. Allegedly, 3 supervisors tried to get the manager back - and some little violence allegedly happened. "..The incident reportedly left the unnamed production manager and three supervisors with light injuries and bruises...."The police were reportedly called in to assist, but the workers had already dispersed by the time they arrived.

BUT...let us look at how the media reported this, especially the headline, ...Sinar Harian's headline reads, : 150 pekerja mengganas [150 workers terrorizes], and Malaysiakini's headline read 'Strike by foreign workers turn violent', and I would consider these biased against workers - Let us not forget WHY the workers started protesting - it was because of what they alleged their employer did. Maybe, the media must be more careful in the future and ensure their titling is fair to all... Why do the media not report the name of the company in their reports? I wonder

Reported were that the police came but where was the officers from the Labour Department(Human Resources Department) from the Ministry of Human Resources? Was this not a labour issue ...an issue of minimum wage? The absence of the Labour Department is indicative of the failure of the current government - there seem to an apparent disregard to workers' plight and issues, a disinterest in ensuring that employers do not violate the law and worker rights, and here a lack of concern about 'Industrial Harmony' - when the main players in resolving the matter should have been the Labour Department officials... 

Now, we know that the police are investigating, what is the Labour Department doing? If the workers action was caused by the employer's disregard of the law and worker rights - that eventually forced workers to the street - who really is to be blamed if things turned bad. It is the government(i.e. the Labour Department not the police) that should have rushed to resolve the issue...The problem today is even if information is given to the Labour Department, some officers just do not act...and in some cases,  even when the Labour officer goes to the factory to investigate - some employers hinder the investigation by not allowing the Officer meet and talk with effected workers...etc - and the current law is so weak, for this kind of breaches of law, the sentence imposed against employers is a mere fine (a small fine) and this in fact encourages bad employers to just continue breaking the law... How many employers are being taken to task (i.e. Charged in Court) for not following the law on Minimum Wages? 

What does this BN government expect workers to do when employers break the law, and the government does nothing ...or acts too slow...many a times not even prosecuting but just giving employers another chance...'go do not do it again...OR never mind, we will give you an extension so that you do not have to pay workers minimum wages now.... ' . It is this reality that forces workers to protest...picket...strike or even get violent - WHY? Because many workers' perspective is that the law and avenues of justice is too slow, inaccessible, biased in favour of employers, etc 

HOW MANY EMPLOYERS ARE FACING LEGAL ACTION BY REASON OF NOT PAYING MINIMUM WAGES IN JANUARY 2013? Tell us...assure us the people that the Government is seriously taking action against such employers...and will ensure all workers entitled to receive minimum wages as of January 2013 will receive them or what is owing immediately... I have yet to see the Minister come out with any such assurance...have you?

Strike by foreign workers turns violent

1:57PM Mar 10, 2013

A strike involving 150 foreign workers at a factory in Muar reportedly turned violent when a group of them stormed the manager's office last Friday.

Malay-language daily Sinar Harian reported today that the 3pm incident was believed to be caused the workers' dissatisfaction at the management for delaying the implementation of the minimum wage laws, which came into force in January.

The incident reportedly left the unnamed production manager and three supervisors with light injuries and bruises. The victims were described to be in their 30's.

The daily also quoted the factory's management saying that it hopes to resolve the matter internally, while Muar district police chief Mohamad Nasir Ramli reportedly said the incident would be investigated under Section 147 of the Penal Code for rioting.

Workers refuse to work 

The strike reportedly started on the day before, where some 700 workers refused to work at the factory in Parit Jalan Industrial Zone. There were no untoward incidents that day.

However, a group of about 20 people reportedly stormed the management office and started dragging the production manager, according to an eyewitness identified only as ‘Ahmad'.

Three supervisors tried to intervene but were punched and kicked.

"The situation got worse some of them threw stones and shattered many windows. The management tried to dissuade them from continuing to assault the manager, but were unsuccessful.

"Instead, things got even tenser," Ahmad reportedly said.

The police were reportedly called in to assist, but the workers had already dispersed by the time they arrived. - Malaysiakini, 10/3/2013, Strike by foreign workers turns violent

700 ratus pekerja protes isu gaji minima - hari ke-4 keadaan menjadi kecoh - MTUC kena segera bertindak..

Bila hak pekerja dicabul, tidak ada lapuran media ....pekerja di kilang di Muar, lebih kurang 700, telah mogok/protes kerana   "...dipercayai berpunca daripada rasa tidak puas hati pekerja terbabit terhadap pengurusan kilang kerana menangguh pelaksanaan penetapan had gaji minimum yang dijadualkan berkuat kuasa sejak Januari lalu..." 

 

Isunya adalah isu perlaksanaan gaji minima.

 

Lapuran menyatakan bahawa protes ini berlaku sejak 7/3/2013... tak ada tindakan ke arah penyelesaian isu hak pekerja. Selepas itu...3 hari lagi 8/3/2013, 9/3/2013, 10/3/2013 --  dan dakwaan 'keganasan' berlaku pada 10/3/2013... Jika mengadu pencabulan hak, tak ada apa berlaku...Kalau protes/mogok tak ada apa yang berlaku... selepas itu, apa nak buat? Sepatutnya kerajaan masuk segera menyelesaikan isu ini - mengambil tindakan tegas terhadap majikan... Kini pun banyak aduan mengenai isu gaji minima dan ketidak patuhan majikan kepada undang-undang negara - tapi Menteri dan Kerajaan senyap sahaja... dan ini akan menjana ke

 

Siapa yang patut disalahkan? 

Majikan  - BETUL

Kerajaan - BETUL, kerana sepatutnya pihak Jabatan Sumber Manusia(Labour Department) mesti segera masuk cuba mentelesaikan isu pencabulan hak dan memberikan jaminan kepada pekerja ... Mengapa paksa sampai pekerja terpaksa protes...mogok - mengapa pihak berkuasa berkenaan tidak memantau majikan mematuhi undang-undang negara...

 

Kesian - kini kemungkinan besar tumpuan beredar kepada tuduhan jenayah terhadap pekerja -- dan pihak majikan mendapat 'kesian' orang ramai, dan pekerja menuntut hak mendapat 'nama buruk'  

 

MTUC dan MTUC Johor, dan kesatuan pekerja harus bertindak pergi segera membantu kaum pekerja yang terbabit... 

 

150 pekerja mengganas

Wartawan Sinar Harian
10 Mac 2013

Sebahagian daripada pekerja warga asing Kawasan Perindustrian Parit Jamil mengadakan mogok di kilang berkenaan, kelmarin. Gambar kecil: Cermin kilang pecah akibat dibaling.

 

MUAR – Suasana tenang di Kawasan Perindustrian Parit Jalan berhampiran Seri Menanti, dekat sini, bertukar menjadi kecoh apabila kira-kira 150 pekerja warga asing dari sebuah kilang mengadakan mogok dan bertindak ganas dengan memukul serta mencederakan seorang pengurus pengeluaran dan tiga penyelia, kelmarin.

Kejadian sekitar jam 3 petang itu dipercayai berpunca daripada rasa tidak puas hati pekerja terbabit terhadap pengurusan kilang kerana menangguh pelaksanaan penetapan had gaji minimum yang dijadualkan berkuat kuasa sejak Januari lalu.

Difahamkan, kekecohan itu sudah berlaku sejak Khamis lalu (7 Mac) dengan melibatkan seramai 700 pekerja melakukan mogok tidak mahu menjalankan tugas masing-masing, namun tidak berlaku sebarang keganasan.

Saksi kejadian yang hanya mahu dikenali sebagai Ahmad, 33, berkata, keadaan menjadi lebih kecoh apabila 20 pekerja kilang terbabit secara tiba-tiba memasuki pejabat dan menarik keluar pengurus pengeluaran.

Menurutnya, tindakan pekerja terbabit disedari tiga penyelia kilang yang kemudiannya cuba membantu pengurus berkenaan, tetapi dihalang dan mereka dikasari dengan beberapa tumbukan dan sepakan.

“Keadaan menjadi sedikit tidak terkawal apabila sebahagian daripada mereka membaling batu pada tingkap menyebabkan banyak kaca tingkap pecah dan bertaburan.

“Pihak pengurusan ada cuba untuk memujuk mereka supaya berhenti daripada terus mengasari pengurus itu, tetapi tidak berjaya malah suasana menjadi lebih tegang,” katanya.

Katanya, keadaan itu memaksa pihak pengurusan menghubungi polis untuk mendapatkan bantuan dan apabila pihak berkuasa tiba, keadaan kembali menjadi terkawal dan pekerja terbabit bersurai.

Akibat daripada keganasan pekerja terbabit, pengurus dan penyelia kilang itu yang berusia lingkungan 30an mengalami kecederaan ringan serta lebam pada bahagian muka dan sudah mendapatkan rawatan di Hospital Pakar Sultanah Fatimah (HPSF) selain membuat laporan di balai polis berhampiran.

Usaha Sinar Harian untuk menemu bual dan mendapatkan penjelasan pihak pengurusan kilang berkenaan tidak berjaya, namun mengakui mahu menyelesaikan masalah itu secara dalaman.
 

 Sementara itu, Ketua Polis Daerah Muar, Asisten Komisioner Mohamad Nasir Ramli ketika dihubungi mengesahkan kejadian dan mengakui pihaknya ada menerima laporan berhubung kes itu.
 

“Polis akan tahan mereka yang terlibat untuk siasatan lanjut dan kes disiasat ikut Seksyen 147 Kanun Keseksaan kerana merusuh,” katanya.- Sinar Harian, 10/3/2013, 150 pekerja mengganas

Bar Council: Continue to Protect and Defend our International Borders Within International Human Rights Norms

Press Release: Continue to Protect and Defend our International Borders Within International Human Rights Norms

Posted by Web Administrator

Sunday, 10 March 2013 01:08pm

The Malaysian Bar is extremely concerned by reports of the armed intrusion by foreign elements and ongoing conflict in the areas of Lahad Datu and Semporna, in Sabah.  We are deeply saddened by the deaths of eight Malaysian police personnel1, and extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to their families and loved ones.  We salute our fallen heroes who have paid the highest price in defence of our nation and territory.   Our thoughts and prayers also go to members of our security forces who are now in the frontline of this conflict.

The Malaysian Bar expresses its support for the Malaysian authorities in its continuing efforts to restore law and order in the affected areas.  As an independent nation, Malaysia has a sovereign right to ensure recognition and respect for the territorial integrity of its international borders.  As the conflict continues, we call on all parties to take all necessary action to minimise any further injury and loss of life.

The International Court of Justice, in the course of adjudicating a territorial dispute between the Governments of Malaysia and Indonesia over the islands of Ligitan and Sipadan off the coast of Sabah, and in delivering its decision² on 17 December 2002, had set out the antecedents and history pertaining to the territory, and which effectively recognised the rights and sovereignty of Malaysia over the state of Sabah and its surrounding islands.

In essence, these antecedents show that the Sultanate of Sulu had, by its several actions and by various separate instruments between 19 April 1851 and 26 June 1946, relinquished and ceded all of its rights, interests and dominion over what was previously referred to as North Borneo (now known as the state of Sabah, Malaysia).  These various instruments are:

(1) The Act of Re-Submission between Spain and the Sultan of Sulu dated 19 April 1851, which was confirmed by the Protocol dated 22 July 1878, whereby the island of Sulu and its dependencies were annexed by the Spanish Crown;

(2) The Cession and Agreement dated 22 January 1878 between the Sultan of Sulu, and Mr Alfred Dent and Baron von Overbeck as representatives of a British company, whereby the Sultan of Sulu granted and ceded to the latter all of his rights and powers over the mainland of the island of Borneo;

(3) The Commission dated 22 January 1878 whereby the Sultan of Sulu appointed Baron von Overbeck the “Dato Bëndahara and Rajah of Sandakan”, and ceded all of the Sultanate's rights to Baron von Overbeck as the “supreme ruler over the said dominions”;

(4) Baron von Overbeck and Mr Alfred Dent in turn relinquished all their rights to a British company, later the British North Borneo Company;

(5) The Protocol dated 11 March 1877 between Spain, Germany and Great Britain;

(6) The Protocol dated 7 March 1885 between Spain, Germany and Great Britain whereby, inter alia, the Spanish Government relinquished to the British Government all claim of sovereignty over the territories of the continent of Borneo and its islands;

(7) The Agreement dated 12 May 1888 between the British Government and the British North Borneo Company for the creation of the State of North Borneo;

(8) The Treaty of Peace of Paris dated 10 December 1898 between Spain and the United States of America whereby Spain ceded the Philippine Archipelago to the United States of America;

(9) The Confirmation of Cession dated 22 April 1903 between the Sultan of Sulu and the British Government expanding the scope of the Cession and Agreement of 22 January 1878 between the Sultan of Sulu and Mr Alfred Dent and Baron von Overbeck;

(10) The Convention dated 2 January 1930 between the United States of America and Great Britain delimiting the boundary between the Philippine Archipelago and the State of North Borneo;

(11) The Agreement dated 26 June 1946 between the British North Borneo Company and the British Government whereby the British North Borneo Company relinquished and transferred all of its interests, powers and rights in respect of the State of North Borneo to the British Crown, whereby the State of North Borneo became a British colony.

(12) The Agreement dated 9 July 1963 between the Federation of Malaya, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, North Borneo, Sarawak and Singapore relating to Malaysia, which entered into force on 16 September 1963, whereby the colony of North Borneo was to be “federated with the existing States of the Federation of Malaya as the [State] of Sabah”.³

Although the Philippines was not a party to this litigation before the International Court of Justice — it did apply to intervene, but the application was rejected — it is clear from this judgment that the Sultanate of Sulu, even if such an entity were to legally exist today, has no subsisting legitimate claim to Sabah.  In any event, as a matter of post-colonial self-determination, the people of Sabah voted overwhelmingly to join Malaysia in a referendum held in 1962, which was organised by the Cobbold Commission. 

The Malaysian Bar thus calls upon the Malaysian Government to continue its efforts to defend its international borders and territory, protect its citizens, and apprehend the perpetrators of these acts of armed violence.  In doing so, we nonetheless call upon the Malaysian Government to take appropriate and immediate steps to resolve the conflict in a peaceful manner to avoid the further use of arms and loss of limb or life.

Just as Malaysia is insisting on the respect for its sovereign rights under international law, as is proper, it would also be correct for the Malaysian Government to honour and maintain its commitment to international humanitarian law and international human rights standards in its conduct of the conflict and treatment of any persons detained as part of the conflict, and to accord such persons due process of the law.  It is clear that there exists a serious threat to national security in the areas of conflict in Sabah, and that there are reports that the authorities have arrested 79 persons under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.  We expect that the due process of the law shall be observed and accorded to these arrested persons.

We ask the Malaysian authorities to take all necessary measures to protect and provide for the safety and well-being of civilians caught in the conflict zone, bearing in mind that these involve the elderly, women and children.  They should be provided with safe passage to non-conflict zones and be provided with access to adequate food, shelter, medical assistance and protection. We also call upon the said authorities to ensure that all combatants, friend or foe, are treated humanely, and provided with the necessary medical assistance and treatment.

As we seek to assert our rights and protect our sovereignty and territorial integrity, we must continue to conduct ourselves with a strong sense of dignity and professionalism, with due observance of our own laws as well as international laws and standards.  It is our conduct and observance of the law and human rights in the face of adversity that will differentiate us from those who would seek to threaten us and commit acts of aggression against us.

 

Christopher Leong

Vice-President

Malaysian Bar

 

10 March 2013

---

¹ The eight personnel are ASP Zulkifli Mamat, Sergeant Sabarudin Daud, Supt Ibrahim Lebar, ASP Michael Fadil, Detective Sergeant Baharin Hamid, CPL Salam Tongiran, Sergeant Aziz Sarikun, and Lance Coporal Mohd Azrol Tukiran.

² Sovereignty over Pulau Ligitan and Pulau Sipadan (Indonesia/Malaysia) Application for Permission to Intervene(Ligitan and Sipadan), Judgment, [2002] ICJ Reports 625, 675, paras. 111-113, 625 <http://www.icj-cij.org/docket/files/102/7714.pdf> accessed 3 March 2013.

³ http://treaties.un.org/doc/Publication/UNTS/Volume%20750/v750.pdf

Did Guan Eng say that minimum wages under PR would only be for Malaysians not migrant workers? Please do clarify

Totally disappointing (if correctly reported by Malaysian Insider) for a Pakatan Rakyat leader to say that migrant workers may not be entitled to minimum wages under PR. The intention may be to woo voters to vote for PR but it is very wrong because it is unjust. All workers are entitled to equal pay and equal rights as workers, and that includes migrant workers. 

Remember that even when the current BN government recently tried to impose the obligation to pay levy on migrant workers removing that obligation from employers of migrants. Malaysians, including workers and the MTUC, rightfully protested this unjust move - 82 Groups - MINIMUM WAGES FOR ALL WORKERS, INCLUDING MIGRANT WORKERS - No to Wage Deduction to recover Levy Payable By Employers -

The Malaysian Insider report was in Malay, so a rough translation of relevant paragraphs in the said news report is included in the report attached below.

I hope that the worker leaders in Pakatan Rakyat, and Pakatan Rakyat immediately come and clarify their position to ensure all Malaysians and others that if and when they do rule, they will not practice discrimination against migrant workers...

I truly hope that it was a case of mis-reporting, and we will soon get some clarification from Guan Eng and Pakatan Rakyat. What Malaysians want is justice and human rights in Malaysia - certainly no discrimination against workers based on their nationality..

  

Gaji minimum PR untuk rakyat Malaysia, tidak libat warga asing, kata Guan Eng

[PR's minimum wage for Malaysian citizens, not involve migrant workers, says Guan Eng]

Oleh Mohd Farhan Darwis
March 08, 2013

KUALA LUMPUR, 8 Mac — Gaji minimum RM1,100 yang akan dilaksanakan kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat (PR) hanya akan melibatkan rakyat Malaysia, tanpa mengambil kitra pekerja asing, kata Setiausaha Agung DAP Lim Guan Eng.

[ Rough English Translation:- The minimum wage of RM1,100 that will be implemented by the Pakatan Rakyat(PR) government will only involve Malaysian citizens, without tahing into account migrant workers, said the Secretary General of DAP Lim Guan Eng. ]

Guan Eng (gambar) berkata, tidak seperti dasar gaji minimum RM900 kerajaan Barisan Nasional (BN), cadangan PR itu lebih mengutamakan rakyat kerana dasar gaji minimum BN itu turut merangkumi pekerja asing di negara ini.

[ Rough English Translation:- Guan Eng(picture) said, that unlike the RM900 minimum wage policy of the Barisan Nasional(BN), PR's proposal will prioritize citizens as the BN minimum wage policy also includes migrant workers in this country.]

“Hanya BN mahu membantu pekerja asing ... agar pekerja asing dapat menikmati tahap gaji yang sama dengan pekerja Malaysia,” kata Guan Eng ketika berucap dalam Majlis Menandatangani Perjanjian Kolektif dengan syarikat pengurusan air Pulau Pinang, di Hotel Traders di sana.

[ Rough English Translation:- "Only BN wants to help migrant workers...so that migrant workers enjoy wage rates same as Malaysian workers. " said Guan Eng whilst speaking at Collective Agreement Signing ceremony with the Pulau Pinang Water Management company, at Hotel Traders there.]

“Mungkin BN mahu jaga pekerja asing kerana mengharapkan orang asing akan menyokong mereka ... Itulah sebabnya gaji minima yang dicadangkan oleh PR bertindak adil kepada pekerja Malaysia bukan seperti BN yang lebih mementingkan pekerja asing,” katanya dalam ucapan berkenaan yang diperolehi The Malaysian Insider.

 [Rough English Translation:- "Maybe BN wants to protect migrant workers because they hope that foreigners will support them...That is why the minimum wage proposed by PR will act justly for Malaysian workers not like the BN that places more importance on migrant workers, " he said in his speech that was obtained by The Malaysian Insider.]

Pelaksanaan gaji minimum dijangka akan memanfaatkan tiga juta pekerja secara langsung.

[Rough English Translation:- The implementation of the minimum wage will directly benefit 3 million workers]

 

Kementerian Sumber Manusia sebelum ini berkata pelaksanaan gaji minimum akan berkuatkuasa yang akan berkuatkuasa mulai 1 Januari 2013.

Daripada jumlah itu hanya 600 dari 4,200 majikan dibenarkan menangguhkan pelaksanaan gaji minimum tersebut.

Pengumuman gaji minimum bagi sektor swasta dibuat Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Razak pada 30 April dan diwartakan pada 16 Julai lepas.

Perintah gaji minimum 2012 pula berkuat kuasa pada 1 Januari 2013 dan kadarnya akan dikaji semula setiap dua tahun.

Keputusan untuk menguatkuasakan pelaksanaan gaji minimum itu adalah mandatori dan kerajaan menetapkan gaji minimum pekerja swasta ialah RM900 di Semenanjung dan RM800 di Sabah, Sarawak dan Labuan. - Malaysian Insider, 8/3/2013, Gaji minimum PR untuk rakyat Malaysia, tidak libat warga asing, kata Guan Eng

PM is living in another Malaysia - RM100,000 houses are affordable houses for workers?

SIME DARBY, a GLC[Government Linked Company] is building ' affordable houses for its current and former workers. Sime Darby wanted to charge RM120,000 and the Prime Minister announced that the price will be lowered to RM100,000.

The minimum wage is RM900-00, and after deductions for Employees Provident Fund and Social Security, it will be lesser - and this means that it will take these workers utilizing all their wages about 10 years or more to pay for these houses, if they were not paying any interest for their housing loans. [Remember that there were about 34% of Malaysian workers were earning RM700 and less in 2009 before the implementation of the Minimum Wage]

Affordable Houses - certainly these are not affordable houses for workers in Malaysia - maybe only for the high-income workers. The workers for whom Sime Darby is building these 'affordable houses' is most likely plantation workers or former plantation workers - surely they would not be able to afford such homes UNLESS if Sime Darby is giving them FREE Houses - which would be JUST considering the contributions of these workers to the company, which also included willingness to receive low wages and suffer hardships that come with low pay whilst the company prospered...

The comments are based on the report below....

Put employees’ welfare first, PM tells GLCs

KLANG: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday urged government-linked companies (GLCs) and their private counterparts to put the welfare of their employees before profit.

"When the welfare of an employee is looked after, he would be loyal and be productive to his company.

"The contribution of employees to the growth of any company should not be taken lightly," he said before launching plantation giant Sime Darby's affordable houses for its current and former workers in Pulau Carey here yesterday.

He lauded Sime Darby's initiative in putting the welfare of its workers before profit.

Earlier, Sime Darby chairman Tan Sri Samsudin Osman announced that the houses, in the basic built, will cost RM120,000 each.

Najib later announced that the price will instead be only RM100,000, as he had urged Sime Darby to lower it to recognise the contributions of its workers.

The prime minister's announcement was met with a huge round of applause from the crowds.

According to Najib, a country's wealth should be distributed evenly.

"We do not want all the riches to be enjoyed by only one group - like in the (United States of) America, where one per cent of Americans control 40 per cent of the country's wealth," said Najib.

Such unbalanced distribution of wealth, he added, will not affect a country socially but its competitiveness in the long run.

Najib said political stability and social security is important to ensure prosperity.

"As we speak, our security forces are defending us from enemies in Lahad Datu, Sabah.

"We should all support our security forces and thank them. Not only them, but the government that affords the security as well," he said.- Business Times, 9/3/2013, Put employees’ welfare first, PM tells GLCs

Read more: Put employees’ welfare first, PM tells GLCs http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/8sime2/Article/#ixzz2N7WHV1Tt

Just 'transfered out' for torture of 200 National Service trainees

What is happening in these National Service camps? Normally, these camps are supposed to provide military training so that people could be called in times of trouble to serve as volunteers to defend the country...or maybe serve as volunteer fireman, police, civil defence force, provide first aid,....but what do these camps in Malaysia do?  Certainly a lot of money to be made by some .... or maybe a ruse for the BN to regain the support of the youth ...really, I do not know...do you?  

But now we find out that trainees are being subject to 'torture' - unnecessary punishment, and when investigation proves that the allegations are true, the Camp Commandant is transferred out...that is no punishment. 

Just report to the police, and let the police take the appropriate action according to the law... A transfer to .....what some other national Service Camp - that is no punishment. A fine is a punishment...a demotion is a punishment...Maybe someone should sue the Camp Commandant(include also the government) for the wrong done against the 200 trainees...Compensation for the victims??

Disclose the results of the investigation... and name the culprit...    

 

Monday March 4, 2013

Camp commandant booted out over ‘severe punishment’

KUANTAN: A National Service camp commandant has been transferred out following an allegedly severe punishment meted out to 200 trainees over a theft.

The trainees were allegedly made to sit under the hot sun, then soaked themselves in a nearby pond and again made to sit under the hot sun wearing just their shorts.

National Service Training Department director-general Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang Kechil said they had received a report on the Feb 23 incident at the Kampung Hijrah camp in Penor, near here.

“We conducted an immediate investigation and found that the action taken by the management of the camp was not in accordance with the stipulated rules. As such, we took drastic action and transferred out the camp commandant within 24 hours, effective from March 1,” he said yesterday.

Parent Wong Yoke Chan, 36, from Mentakab, said the “excessive punishment” was meted out on her 18-year-old son and the other trainees over the theft of several hundred ringgit.

“The punishment lasted about two hours,” she said, after submitting a complaint letter to the camp.

Wong said the punishment was totally uncalled for and had affected the students “physically and emotionally”. - Star, 4/3/2013, Camp commandant booted out over ‘severe punishment’

100 workers protest in Shah Alam... it happening all over Malaysia

The very reason that the government had to step in and fix a minimum wage was because employers were paying the workers low and unjust wages. It is said that over 3 million workers received wages less than RM700, that is way below the poverty line income of RM800. Then the order came out and as of January workers were to receive minimum wages of RM900 (that is basic wage not including overtime and all other allowances) but alas many employers are being 'smart' and doing all kinds of actions to defeat the intention of the government that workers receive fair wages - and the sad thing is that the government seem not taking action. Workers are complaining ...protesting, picketing and some even are on 'strike' and this involves all workers, including migrant workers. 

 

There seem to be a 'media blackout' and news of these protest actions just do not get media coverage - and the government is not doing much. Well, if the media does not cover, then it is up to you to use email, blogs, twitters, ...to inform Malaysians of what is happening to workers - especially the lowly paid workers in Malaysia. Call on the media, including alternative media to highlight the plight of workers..

 

 

100 pekerja tuntut kenaikan gaji
HARIZ AIZAT MAHYUDIN 5 Mac 2013

Gopal mewakili pekerja terbabit menyuarakan tuntutan kenaikan gaji.

Antara sebahagian pekerja yang menggesa majikan bersikap adil dalam perhimpunan, semalam.

SHAH ALAM - Kira-kira 100 pekerja sebuah syarikat automotif menggesa majikan mereka bersikap adil berhubung penyelarasan gaji dalam perhimpunan di sini, semalam.

Bantahan yang berlangsung kira-kira 30 minit dan berakhir sekitar jam 5.30 petang itu mempertikaikan tindakan syarikat pengeluaran kereta terbabit yang hanya menaikkan gaji pekerja yang berpendapatan bawah RM900 iaitu kurang daripada gaji minimum ditetapkan kerajaan.

Setiausaha Agung Kesatuan Kebangsaan Pekerja Peralatan Pengangkutan, N Gopal berkata, majikan seolah-olah tidak bersikap adil dan tidak menghargai pekerja.

"Hanya gaji pekerja yang berpendapatan bawah gaji minimum ditetapkan kerajaan dinaikkan sedangkan sebahagian lagi yang berkhidmat sekian lama dan berpendapatan RM900 dibiarkan begitu sahaja.

"Pekerja yang banyak berjasa ini bagai dipinggirkan apabila tidak menerima sedikit pun kenaikan dan sepatutnya majikan tidak terlepas pandang perkara ini," katanya.

Menurutnya, sebagai syarikat pengeluaran kereta yang besar, isu ini tidak sepatutnya timbul memandangkan syarikat automotif lain mampu memberi kenaikan gaji kepada semua pekerja secara adil.

"Protes ini bukan yang pertama malah pekerja terbabit pernah memprotes tidak bekerja lebih masa selama seminggu.

"Disebabkan tindakan itu juga, majikan melakukan perubahan jadual kerja secara syif tanpa perbincangan degan pekerja," katanya.

Beliau berkata, perhimpunan aman itu turut menuntut majikan menghantar wakil bagi mengadakan perbincangan mencari penyelesaian berhubung isu kenaikan gaji.

"Kami tidak teragak-agak mengadakan piket lebih besar esok (hari ini) jika syarikat tetap dengan pendirian mereka dan tidak mahu menghantar wakil untuk mengadakan perbincangan," katanya.

Workers from S & O Electronics (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd, Sungai Petani, Kedah pickets for their rights

About 1.400  workers from S & O Electronics (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., located at Lot 202, Bakar Arang Industrial Estate, 08000 Sungai Petani, Kedah (Malaysia)  picketed on 28th February 2013, and a press statement was issued by their Union, Electrical Industry Workers Union(EIWU). Did we read anything about this in the newspapers, or see it on TV? Why? Again media is not reporting on legitimate actions and expressions of workers... Is the only way to get media coverage to come protest at Dataran Merdeka? 

When people garner the courage and come out and protest/picket - they want Malaysians(the whole world) to know about it. Now, for workers and their unions, this is one of the legitimate means available to get their employers to concede and give better rights to workers.  

When a small group representing employer interest pickets/protest - they usually get media coverage. Why? Is there a bias against workers and their UNIONs? 

There are many worker protests/pickets all over the country concerning actions of employers in connection with the implementation of the minimum wage, the making of wrongful deductions from wages, the changing of employment conditions unilaterally without the consent of the worker, etc... all serious issues affecting workers and their families BUT somehow it seems that the government does not care ...

 

Deadlock In Collective Agreement

Why We Picket?

About 1.400  workers from S & O Electronics (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., located at Lot 202, Bakar Arang Industrial Estate, 08000 Sungai Petani, Kedah (Malaysia) is picketing from 28th February 2013 onwards for the following reasons.... 

In short, companies that are making large profits just do not want to share their good fortune with their workers - with regard to increments, etc. When companies are not doing well, then they want their workers to share in their bad fortune... 

Follow the LINK and read the full statement (2 pages) to understand why..

  EIWU / SHARP PICKET, PRESS STATEMENT 28 FEB 2013 by

 http://www.scribd.com/doc/127904633/EIWU-SHARP-PICKET-PRESS-STATEMENT-28-FEB-2013

1at page of the statement is attached, follow link to see the 2nd page

BRIM - why some only get RM250...not RM500?

I know a man in Temerloh, an elderly man living alone, sickly with no permanent job - and he just got a letter from the Finance Ministry saying that he is entitled to only RM250

Why RM250 - not RM500? His household is one - but that really is the case of many elderly persons (and some other Malaysians) - and they still incur all the expenses of any other home dweller - electricity. water. sewage, cukai pintu...cukai tanah, food, healthcare... so why is he only being given RM250 - not RM500. His case, he does not any working children to even support his livelihood.

Many who did qualify and receive payment for the first BRIM are still waiting - believing that they will receive a letter about when and where to collect their BRIM - and they are still waiting ... Why are they not being send letters - even if only it is some information about what to do and where to go to get their BR1M?  Some of these are elderly persons - The government have records...why not just simply sent them their BR1M cheques in their name. Why another application, etc...

How and where to apply for BR1M? Where do you even find that information? Remember, not all Malaysians have computers and is internet fluent. Who really receives BR1M?

For the BN, democracy means having the right to vote every 5 years

Watching the adverts on TV, that is what this BN means when it talks about democracy....

For me, no political party or coalition can simply take the results of the General Elections to do as it pleases for the next 5 years. 

Democracy means that the people need to be consulted at all times - 'consulted' not informed only. In the BN-style of democracy. the leaders/MPs/ADUNs do not really LISTEN to the people - When they attend functions, normally it is only they that talk and the people are expected to listen...listen ... for after all, the BN runs by the understanding that 'they know best...what is good for the people of Malaysia..." 

Secrecy is another aspect of the BN-style democracy - they do not tell the people what they are doing, what agreements they have entered Malaysia into... and when people claim their right to know exactly what the government has agreed to here and there - it is so difficult. You go to court, and the court tells you that you do not have the 'locus standi' (the right) and that is also if a Member of Parliament takes the case...

Before, when it comes to projects, there will be Notice Boards placed at the site inviting persons with objections and comments to submit them (or even be part of a public hearing of sorts..) where the authorities would consider and then come to a decision on any particular project - But alas, that seemed to have disappeared. Lynas got build and people never knew until so much later...

We elect people's representatives (Wakil Rakyat) but somehow, they cease to be people's representatives after elections. How many have regular consultations with their constituents... not 'I talk you listen sessions'? How many spend time informing people of what Bills are before Parliament/State Assemblies and what are the issues and concerns, and get the feedback of their constituents...So, not only is there no consultations...there is also not much of providing information back to the people they represent - certainly not Democracy.

Media as it is, in Malaysia, fails to play the role it should be playing. It should be providing information, viewpoints (pro and against), space for different issues and matters - but alas, many just operate as though they are a 'government organ' - informing only of the good that the government is doing - see how the TV presenters behave when they report - is it obvious that it is BIASED. The Media is supposed to play also a 'check and balance' role - to highlight also failings of the governments and concerns of minorities/ordinary people communities/workers/marginalised - so that it may pressure the government to respond for the betterment of Malaysia.

BRIM --- what is this all about? Are we beggars relying on the discretion or mercy of Najib and his government? This certainly is not a enshrined right - which would have been better, where the goverment could have enacted that Malaysians, or poorer Malaysians (defined as those earning less than RM1,500?) would be given annual (no monthly) assistance to help with their children's education...cost of living. But No, come near election year...a lot of hand-outs by the government, and this, in many democracies, would be seen as corruption...yes, corruption. Remember, this is the same government that increased the cost of living - by increasing prices, etc - and now, they come to help. The strategy is what - "Create the fire...and then come with the extinguishers...and expect people to say 'Thank You BN, and Najib is a IM4U person' " People in Malaysia are not stupid... All this, we know will stop after the elections is won ...and things will be bad for many many years ,,,and again close to the next GE, again there will be 'goodies' handed out....and do you think that Malaysians are so gullible and believe there is true democracy in Malaysia...and vote back the incumbent..

If Opposition wins, we hope we won't have a 'Animal Farm' like thing happening in Malaysia - and that democracy will not just be the right to vote once every 5 years - It would be more - There must be democracy at all levels - kampung/taman, Local Council, etc... even Senators should be elected dedemocratically by the people..