I write to express my disgust at a news item on Nov 15 on TV3's 'Buletin Utama'. The programme sounded the alarm over the proliferation of migrant workers who were enjoying their holidays at various spots in the city. TV3's crew even went to the extent of saying that their presence in huge number at KLCC is something which should not be "viewed lightly" and interviewed three locals in the vicinity who expressed their "concern" and "fears".
As a Muslim and a Malaysian, I am shocked and disgusted that we can stoop to this level of intolerance and insensitivity. What is so frightfully worrying about migrant workers flocking to these spots and relaxing with their countrymen to enjoy the long holidays? Have we stooped to the level of the apartheid regime? Have our media, who not long ago worked hand in gloves to destroy every institution that we cherish, now turned to a new racist agenda? Or is this a case of poorly-trained journalists without any knowledge of newsworthiness?
Where do migrant workers go for holidays? Does TV3 expect the government to introduce new laws for migrant workers on leave? How would TV3 have reacted if the foreigners were those from Europe and the US? TV3's broadcast of the news piece shows its colonised mentality - that of natives with inferiority complex who look down upon their own types but idolise those of their former master's race.
The news item is not only offensive but by any civilised standards, it should be condemned. It is only a few seconds long, and it remains to be seen whether the other TV stations and media would take up this 'superficial' fear which TV3 created. Owing to the poor standards of television journalism that Malaysians are used to, I do not rule this out.
One does not need to look far to the so-called developed West to see how migrant workers should be treated. In Singapore, in places like Serangoon or Little India, migrant workers flock and occupy every nook and corner of the area and enjoy their weekends without problem. Now, Malaysia is trying to control even whatever little rights these migrant workers have to enjoy a day out relaxing by the fountain at the KLCC, which if I may remind, stands tall as a monument of their years of hard labour.
To the lady of Indian origin who spoke to TV3 of her fear of too many "foreigners" in the area, may I remind her of how her ancestors arrived here and were tolerated by the locals till she is now regarded as citizen with equal rights.
TV3 must apologise to all foreign workers for this most racist news piece.
