Ex-MP slams Sivakumar's 'red flag' reply on forced labour claim

Former Klang MP Charles Santiago has slammed the Human Resources Ministry's "lack of urgency" in addressing issues concerning forced labour.

In a statement, the DAP leader said its minister V Sivakumar's remark in acknowledging the problem but undermining its magnitude is "irresponsible" and "harmful" to workers currently trapped in the system.

"Sivakumar's response is a red flag. Forced labour exists, and his admission reveals a broken system that threatens the safety and rights of vulnerable workers.

"The Human Resources Ministry's lack of urgency is appalling," Charles (above) said in a statement today.

He was responding to Sivakumar saying that while he acknowledges the issue of forced labour in the country, the problem is not as "extensive" as claimed.

"I'm not saying there's no forced labour, but I don't think the number is that big.

"We are prepared to take severe action if at all any of our employers are using forced labour,” he told FMT.

The minister was responding to the claim by UK-based activist Andrew Wallis, who alleged that modern slavery exists as a “significant illicit industry” in Malaysia. He estimated that there are as many as 212,000 victims of forced labour in the country at any given time.

Human Resources Minister V Sivakumar

Elaborating, Charles said the Human Resources Ministry should work with NGOs to conduct a joint study on the matter.

"The ministry must commit to blacklisting employers who don't abide by International Labour Organisation’s standards and exploit workers.

"Publishing the list of blacklisted employers on their website will create a culture of transparency and accountability for employers," he said. - Mkini