Honestly, I do not know whether to laugh or to cry at the greatest Malaysian hoax being perpetrated by our Malaysian government. I am, of course, referring to the report Amnesty for illegal immigrants extended 'indefinitely'.
For as long as I can recall, the government has not had the guts or the gumption to deal with the illegal immigrant problem. But finally, last year, the government decided to make a real its threat by bringing out the big stick - a nation wide raid involving all enforcement bodies.
After a humanitarian extension following the tsunami, everything was set for Feb 1. Then, out of a blue, it was stopped. And until today, no reasons have been given except the lame excuse that they have now decided to adopt the 'soft' approach. Can you believe it?
The whole issue of the illegal immigrants involves regulating them in the country. Why not invite all employers who employs illegal workers to apply to the Immigration Department to legalise them? I know there are some financial charges involved, but I am sure the department would be able to arrage some sort of incentives.
For instance, those who register their illegal workers early would get a 50 percent discount of the total charges. I am sure many employers would take up such an offer. As to the illegals who are employers themselves, why not provide them with special 'green lane' to enable them to legalise both their status and their businesses.
Let's call a spade a spade. Let it be clear that the Malaysian authorities have no will or intention to carry out a major exercise against illegal migrant workers. How else do you explain the major migrant worker colonies that dot our urban landscape?