Stop the blame game

To be fair, the Indonesian embassy is active on its Facebook page holding live sessions with the ambassador giving advice to Indonesian workers in Malaysia. — The Star

AN INDONESIAN cleaner was recently rescued by the police after nearby residents heard shouts for help from a flat unit in Kajang. She was found chained in the bathroom and police believed she was imprisoned by a local couple.

“The victim was chained in the bathroom by the couple because they suspected her of stealing jewellery,” Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan was quoted in the media.

The police had to break down the door to the flat and cut through the chains to free her, thanks to caring Malaysians who brought the case to the attention of the police.

And just like the Malaysians who reported the case to the police, the Indonesian ambassador to Malaysia, Hermono, also came into the picture; naturally he was concerned about the case involving a fellow citizen.

After meeting with the police, the Indonesian ambassador nonetheless claimed the couple had paid off the victim to settle the matter.

“I have asked the police to find the victim as her statement is needed to charge the couple who abused her,” he told The Star.

Since he came to Malaysia, Hermono has been making controversial remarks criticising the host government especially on the treatment of Indonesian workers.

Just recently, a news portal quoted Hermono as saying corruption in both the source and receiving countries was the root cause of trafficking of migrant labour.

The Indonesian ambassador, accusing the government of a lack of political will to tackle trafficking and forced labour problems, said: “There was a sign of positive development when they started ‘cleaning up’ the human resources ministry and the Malaysian High Commission in Bangladesh, but I think this issue needs to be taken more seriously.”

Hermono has been summoned by Wisma Putra over his criticisms in the past, but as one official said, it seems to fall on deaf ears.

It is understood the ministry took up the matter to Jakarta but all Kuala Lumpur got was an apology.

“Probably, they just can’t control him,” said an official. For Hermono, he is just thinking of the best interest of Indonesian workers. After all Hermono had once served in the Agency for the Placement and Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers.

But is this the job of an ambassador? Making it his business to criticise the host government?

Can we consider ourselves lucky that he is only “attacking” Malaysia via the media on matters of concern to him and his country? Many of us can recall the numerous protests held outside the Malaysian embassy over treatment of maids or issues as trivial as the origin of Rasa Sayang which led to a spat even among citizens accusing Malaysia of stealing a heritage song. Of course there are still protests outside the embassy from time to time but rarely.

Probably there is a better understanding in Indonesia now on how the system works in Malaysia and that the authorities are following the law and working fast when complaints are received.

To be fair, the Indonesian embassy is active on its Facebook page holding live sessions with the ambassador giving advice to Indonesians against being taken advantage of by their Malaysian employers and to come and work here legally. The last FB session was lively, lasting for more than one hour with Hermono entertaining questions and giving detailed replies.

The embassy will also upload warnings on scammers posting job offers via social media.

Hermono must admit that to many Indonesians, Malaysia continues to be an attractive destination for work in many sectors and not just for domestic helpers. Many risked their lives coming here to earn a living and provide better lives for their families back home.

They are quite comfortable going to Malaysia. Culturally and language wise, there are many similarities and possibly it is easier to work in Malaysia. It is home away from home in a way.

No government will abandon its citizens being treated poorly in another country whether they come in legally or illegally.

The challenge is to show to the Indonesian government, especially the politicians and bureaucrats, that Malaysia is indeed an important and attractive country to provide jobs for Indonesians.

“It is not just for them to think they are important for everybody else. We are your partner and we are equally important,” said an official.

A good example is the signing of the memorandum of understanding for domestic helpers. It shows the resolve of both countries – one for better protections for the maids and for Malaysians to get maids legally. But the fact that the number of maids entering Malaysia, legally, is actually trickling. That is another matter, probably because the demand was not as high since getting one is so much more expensive now.

Much as we understand the points raised by the Indonesian envoy and we sympathise and share his anger especially when an innocent worker is mistreated, he must remember not to cross the line in criticising the host government publicly.

Imagine what would have happened if any of the Malaysian envoys did the same against the host government – he would have been declared persona non grata.

Perhaps it is better to channel his energy in providing solutions. No one is denying that there is some truth in his allegations – that corruption takes place in both countries. But stop this blame gaming, publicly.