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Press Statement: “Zero Squatters”, a flawed policy

Press Statement: “Zero Squatters”, a flawed policy

Contributed by Ambiga Sreenevasan

Friday, 28 March 2008 07:35pm

Ambiga Sreenevasan • Forced evictions not the way, says Bar Council

The Bar Council is deeply concerned that the new Menteri Besar of Selangor, Tan Sri Khalid has announced that he will continue on the path embarked upon by his predecessor to eradicate all squatter settlements in the State.

The “zero squatter” policy of the previous State Administration was in our view flawed and an unmitigated disaster from the high handed manner in which the forced evictions were carried out to the manner in which the State Government all too quickly defended the actions of the developer against the urban settlers. The inhumane treatment and the failure to address the basic housing needs of the poor and marginalised is of great concern. Rather than support such a policy, the State Government should abandon it and make an open declaration that they will desist from using the draconian Essential (Clearance of Squatters) Regulations promulgated under the Emergency Ordinance.

Any enlightened policy on urban resettlement should have at its core, negotiations and the willingness to give these settlers affordable and decent alternative housing. Human Rights norms decry forced evictions. They demand instead that no one should be left homeless or vulnerable to human rights violations. It is the responsibility of the state to ensure proper resettlement in such circumstances.

Foreign workers

We are also disturbed about Tan Sri Khalid’s comments on foreign workers and the possibility of imposing an additional levy supposedly to be paid by their employers. Such a levy would almost certainly be transferred to the worker by his employer.

There appears to be a long held, and wrongly held, view that decreased dependence on foreign labour will result in less crime and less social problems! Statistics show that foreigners only account for 2% of the crimes committed in the country, and while no one will discount that we have our share of social problems, it is unfair to lay the blame for them solely on foreign workers. Xenophobic responses such as these must be avoided. Our language, vocabulary and mindset must change. Rather than blame foreign workers for crime and social problems, the new State Government should focus on what it can do to ensure that all workers in this country receive fair treatment and equal access to justice. We must not forget that reliance on foreign labour is Government policy.

It is hoped that the focus will shift from coming down hard on migrant workers, urban settlers and other disadvantaged people to uplifting them and improving their lot. Nothing less is acceptable from any government.

Ambiga Sreenevasan
President
Malaysian Bar

28.3.2008

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Press Statement: “Zero Squatters”, a flawed policy
written by Haji Sulaiman Abdullah, Friday, March 28 2008 09:51 pm

Way to go, Sdri President! An excellent statement and I am glad the Bar is speaking up loud and clear in defence of oppressed urban settlers, foreign workers and other disadvantaged groups. This is the Bar living up to its protector of the public interest role at its best!

Haji Sulaiman Abdullah

Good Job Madam President...
written by Charles Hector, Saturday, March 29 2008 03:26 pm

Yes, in this days after the GE 2008, the Bar must be extra vigilante and speak out on issues..

With the formation of new Barisan Alternative in 4 States (Kedah, Penang, Perak and Selangor), this is the time when there will be changes both in policy and implementation - and it will be up to the Bar, civil society groups and concerned persons to suggest and promote changes for a better Malaysia at least in those 4, if not 5 states.

Very good for that quick and prompt response....

In solidarity,

Charles Hector

SPOKESMAN FOR THE POOR
written by Ding Chu Teck, Saturday, March 29 2008 05:20 pm

We are proud to be members the Malaysian Bar which speaks for the poor and oppressed. Let us be the conscience of the exploited.

Ding Chu Teck

Charity Begins at Home
written by Tan Peek Guat, Sunday, March 30 2008 07:33 pm

If there is to be any differentiation between CITIZENS and NON CITIZENS, then it is only true and obvious that the Government's function ought to be first and foremost, for the care and protection of its own citizens' rights, benefits and privileges before we can extend such benefits, rights and privileges to people belonging to other and foreign lands.

In many instances, the migrant workers first registered themselves as legal workers; and then, after having familarised themselves with our local surroundings and environments, and further, on account of the high fees charged by the 'agencies', they avoid renewing their registration, and would rather roam around as illegal immigrants, still getting employment.

How then do we keep track of the presence of illegals among us? We must not forget that after the commission of crimes, they cannot even be traced, in many instances.

Therefore, we need to also think about the legal rights of the victims of crimes, and also, the deprivation and loss caused upon their families.

If the migrant workers have to pay only RM9/= a person, then, as an indirect form of registration, this at least keeps track of their numbers, if not their names and the names of their employers.

Therefore, everything that is said and done by all parties ought to have the welfare and interests of our own citizens in consideration, before we attempt to take care of the interests of the foreigners or illegal immigrants.

In respect of the foreigners, in fact, the authorities have been very kind to them all the while, to simply let them 'go' - without any further reprimands, even when caught. Which authority in the world can be kinder to illegals than here, in Malaysia?

Tan Peek Guat

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