Malaysia freezes recruitment of Indian workers

January 8th, 2008

Malaysia has frozen the recruitment of Indian workers, including temple priests, sculptors and musicians, a move apparently linked to the recent mass protests by the ethnic Indians in Kuala Lumpur against their alleged marginalisation.

Workers from India will not be recruited, according to an official circular. But, it is not clear if the ban applies to professionals as well.

The decision was taken by the Malaysian government on December 18 but made public on Tuesday when Defence Minister A K Antony ended his three-day visit to Malaysia. It follows mass protests by the ethnic Indians, led by non-governmental Hindu Rights Action Forum (Hindraf), against the alleged marginalisation of the community.

The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) said it is shocked that the Immigration Department has suddenly ceased to issue work permits to new applications for foreign priests, temple musicians and sculptors.

The department has extended the visa by only six months for priests, three months only for temple musicians and one week only for sculptors.

In a statement, MCCBCHST said the Immigration Department had stated that after this period there would be no further renewal.

“This sudden decision without any dialogue or consultation with MCCBCHST is unprecedented because previously the department has always had discussions with council before any change in the system,” the statement said.

The MCCBCHST has appealed to the prime minister requesting him to reconsider this sudden change in the policy of the government that has become a very highly sensitive issue to the non-Muslim community, the statement said.

“We hope that the prime minister will be able to immediately request the authorities to dialogue with the MCCBCHST and find an amicable settlement,” the statement added. Source: hindustantimes.com