KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) wants to conduct its own investigations over the allegations that foreign workers are being abused at the new Istana Negara construction site.Suhakam Commissioner, James Nayagam, said he viewed the case seriously and was willing to meet the workers to verify their claims.“I think we need a neutral body to carry out an independent probe and we feel that we are best people to do so,” Nayagam said.
Tenaganita president, Irene Fernandez, too, agrees. She feels Suhakam is the best option.
Commenting on the statement by Senator Ezam Mohd Nor who has asked the Home Ministry to investigate Malaysiakini and The Star for being “anti-national institution” and against Istana Negara, Nayagam said: “Ezam should get his facts right before commenting on the matter. Please look at the issue and find out the actual situation at the site.“This is about seeking justice for the workers and finding out the truth and has got nothing to do with the royalty or being anti-national.”Fernandez said Ezam’s accusation was an absolute nonsense.Tricia Yeoh, formerly from the Centre for Public Policy Studies of the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute, urged politicians not to misconstrue the issue.“They should be responding positively and rectify the situation which is about non-payment of workers salaries and nothing more,” Yeoh said.
Social Care Foundation chairman Tan Sri Robert Phang said that Ezam’s accusation only reflected his personal views.“That aside, when it comes to business, it is fundamental to pay people for the work they have done.“The Human Resource Ministry should look into this carefully,” said Phang while calling on politicians not to politicise humanitarian issues.
Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/7/5/nation/6606242&sec=nation
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