The latest I've heard and read, is that Indonesian vigilantes have declared war on Malaysia. They wage this war based on a few reasons, starting with how Malaysia has claimed and stolen its cultural heritage. They also say something about the Ambalat Waters which I have no idea about. Then there's the issue of Malaysia insulting their national anthem and the most heard of stories of Indonesian immigrant workers being abused.
I have close to no knowledge pertaining to all the other reasons, but I do know one thing, the issue with Indonesian immigrant workers being abused really is quite stupid.
In relation to the abuse of the workers, I personally think its a two way thing between both Malaysians and Indonesians. I'm sure you've heard of many cases where Indonesian maids are abused by employers, and yet you have also heard stories of Indonesian maids performing deviant acts against their employers.
Lets start with the webcam video that was posted up on YOUTUBE (HERE) that showed how an Indonesian maid repeatedly kicked a small child. This was sometime in 2007 (Details in the sidebar of that youtube page).
Then there are the stories you've heard of Indonesian maids boiling soup with their unwashed underwear in em. Not to mention the countless disgusting stories of Indonesian maids and the food they prepare for their employers, with that special ingredient they always have. (This, I presume, has something to do with black magic)
Then there are the Indonesian maids who come here to work, just so they can run off with another immigrant they've met here, and live happily ever after, riding off into the sunset. Or at least they think. And then get abused and blame it on Malaysia.
All that aside, there are the unlucky ones who really do get abused by employers for as small a reason as not properly arranging the cushions on the couch. In fact, I'm sure we've all heard plenty of stories about Indonesian maids being abused. But hey, guess what? We actually have associations in Malaysia that deal with such problems.
The norm for an Indonesian maid is to be female. Heck, you wouldn't want an Indonesian male cleaning your house and cooking your food for you now do you.
There is an association that deals with infringement of womens rights. AWAM. The All Womens Action Society has dealt with countless cases of maids in general being abused. If there are Malaysians working to help better the lives of women in general, including Indonesian Maids, I don't see how it makes abuse a valid supporting reason for a war.
We are at the end of the day individuals trying to survive whether abroad or locally. What happens to people is based on an individual basis. It just so happens that the majority of maids in Malaysia are Indonesian.
Read about the outrageous news HERE.
My mother runs her own business and has 2 Indonesian ladies working for her. They have watched both me and my brother grow-up. They have cared for us like real family. They have been part of this family for as long as I have lived. They celebrate Chinese New year with us, and we celebrate Hari Raya/Eid Mubarak with them.
I refuse to believe that there really exist a problem between the people.
The problem is the individuals, not the people.
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