opinion

I am certain most of us would have forgotten the prophetic words of the former inspector-general of police Rahim Noor pertaining to the need to watch the growing presence of foreign workers, in particular Indonesians.

Rahim was particularly worried that the ever growing numbers would pose a security threat in the future, in particular, during times of a recession.

Since then, we have had our fair share of news on these economic immigrants, from runways, to child molesters, to serious crimes that includes robbery, rape and murder.

Of late, three incidents clearly show that our policies on the Indonesians are seriously flawed. But this has not stopped nor fettered the continued liberal approvals of Indonesian workers application in comparison to others.

Though official statistics reveal that there are over 800,000 foreigners in the country, it is common knowledge that the actual figure far exceeds that which is given.

First there was a riot at a detention camp then there was a rampage at a factory in Nilai just because the police were conducting an operation to flush out drug dependants.

In this incident, again, public property was damaged, the police were attacked and an Indonesian flag was raised.

In the last incident in Dengkil,, six food stalls were looted and set on fire by a group of Indonesian construction workers, who also damaged nine cars.

I was told that over 200 Indonesians armed with parangs, iron rods and sticks arrived in five lorries and even stole money, important documents which include work permits and passports.

Send shivers

If this is not serious enough to send shivers down the spine of all peace loving Malaysians - and add much needed pressure on policy makers, I wonder what will?

In fact, the incident at Nilai was so embarrassing, for why was there reason to "negotiate" with rioters for over 45 minutes or to seek assistance from the Indonesian embassy to pacify the rioters.

I find it quite hilarious that our infamous Federal Reserve Unit (FRU), whose capabilities and proven track record at dispersing illegal gatherings, were not rushed to 'arrest and contain' this situation.

These incidents, unless handled with a 'big stick', will set a precedent for similar groups to emulate.

This is why I cannot but strongly endorse Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's statement that an immediate review be undertaken on the matter and that troublemakers be sent back.

And we need to apologise to no one for the steps that we take to protect our national interest and internal security.

We must not forget, that there are Indonesian settlements in almost every squatter area in the country and 'third parties' are today actively luring, housing and hiring illegals and legal runaways causing great financial loss to decent households and business groups who spend a large professional fee and levy payments to engage them.

It s also common knowledge that the incidents of runaway maids are greater near such squatter colonies and construction sites housing foreigners.

Consider whipping

Perhaps, the government needs to drive through its decision to introduce whipping for illegal immigrants in view the serious security threat they pose despite some quarters view, that the former does not have the 'political gumption' to carry it out.

Whipping and a jail term must also be imposed on these 'third parties' who lure, hire, employ and house these illegals and runaways.

Business outlets and companies hiring these workers must also be held accountable and punitive action taken against them for failing to manage those under their employment.

Perhaps, this article will not be complete if a serious call is not made to our politicians, to refrain from 'interfering' in immigration policy planning, reviews and operations and to allow the professionals in the civil service, take the rightful decision, without which, our country will be put at risk based on these three recent incidents.

DR JACOB GEORGE is legal adviser to the Consumers, Arbitration, Advocacy, Redress and Service Centre (Cassa) and MIC-Subang Jaya Town Centre chairman.