The recurrent theme is that illegal workers are responsible for unpaid levies, for diseases brought into the country and for stretching our public health care services. Their huge presence has led to a rise in squatter settlements and congested living conditions in low cost accommodation.

Furthermore, their children are blamed for the uptake of places in our schools. Worryingly, the Federal Criminal Investigation Department reported that in 2006, foreigners accounted for 4% of 200,000 crimes reported, an increase of 3% from the previous year.

On one hand, we condemn these foreign workers. But on the other hand, we happily exploit them for cheap labour to support our strong economic growth, and for improving our lifestyles.

Dependent on foreign workers

According to the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, for every 1% increase in the number of legal foreign workers, in 1998-2002, our economy expanded by 0.2%. We have become very dependent on them so that their shortage will hurt the economy.

Recently, the Immigration Department announced a nationwide crackdown on illegal foreign workers over Chinese New Year. Immediately, MCA deputy president Dr Chua Soi Lek condemned this move, as 'bad timing':

"This is a peak time for business and big profits to be made. It will create problems for the people, especially the laundry and restaurant operators."

He is wrong. If we followed his logic, then there will never be a 'good time' for a crackdown in Malaysia. Our multicultural identity allows for a multitude of celebrations.

To exacerbate the problem, our government agencies constantly bow to pressure from organisations or various sections of the community. For example, in the aftermath of fatal bus crashes, compulsory centralised training for commercial bus drivers was proposed in 2005, but was then postponed indefinitely because it would be too costly for companies to implement. Or when the 1984 federal Islamic law on polygamy was watered down in 1996 and 2004, and made it easier for men to exploit.

We have seen a rise in the number of foreign workers: 4% of total employment in 1990, 11% in 1997 and 12% (or 1.3 million of registered foreign workers) in 2004. In the early 1970s, it was mainly the agriculture sector that comprised foreign workers. By 2004, foreign workers made a large impact on all major sectors of the economy with manufacturing and services registering the largest share at 31% and 25% respectively.

This rise indicates a huge failure of government immigration policy to contain the problem of migrant labour. It is also claimed that currently, there are 1.8 million legal foreign workers and an equal number of illegal ones.

Thus when the Immigration Department scheduled a crackdown, it was wrong of Chua Soi Lek to tell them to postpone it. It is bad enough to announce that the enforcement will be on the second day of Chinese New Year. It is like sending out calling cards or advertising, on a giant billboard, the message to employers harbouring or employing these illegal workers, to tie up all the loose ends and sort themselves out before the enforcement officers pay a visit.

But maybe there is a reason for this advanced notification. Preventive measures to stop illegal workers are both costly and time consuming. Interaction with government agencies like police, immigration, armed forces and RELA is crucial. The detention camps which only accommodate a certain population, is oversubscribed. Apart from space constraints, the cost is also prohibitive for we are told that RM3-RM4 million annually, is spent on detainees' meals. Prior warning will decidedly relieve pressure on these agencies and camps.

Common malady

However, this politician has aptly demonstrated the common malady that afflicts Malaysians: We want enforcement, but if it hurts us, we decline. This problem of illegal labour is a huge issue and we cannot 'cherry pick' the remedies. If we are not prepared for stern measures to contain, what we perceive to be the problem, then we had better accept the status quo.

Already remittances by the foreign workers have increased from RM6,957 million in 1997 to RM11,229 million in 2003 (Bank Negara figures). If we say that foreign workers are a drain on health, housing and education, then we should consider whether an amnesty is possible for long-term (and crime-free) illegal workers. Make them legal to maximise their economic potential and pay the tax that helps fund the public services. Why have a group of foreign workers, half of which lives normally and another which lives in the shadows?

Our leaders have failed thus far, to face up to the problem and come up with a solution. Malaysians dislike dirty, dangerous or difficult work. These are invariably low-skilled, poorly paid jobs. Workers are poorly represented in disputes with management. Common complaints are non-payment of wages, non-issue of safety equipment or lack of medical treatment. Employers are rarely persecuted. Moreover, there is no minimum wage structure. Labour laws designed to protect workers' rights are non-existent. Instead, trade union leaders are victimised.

We have long refused our own people a national minimum wage and denied them a reasonable standard of living. We prefer cheap foreign labour because we are too greedy and selfish. Our politicians have failed to show initiative to improve local workers' rights and pay.

We have a choice

We have a choice. Either our politicians do more to protect our own local workforce or we go through this pretence and charade of cracking down on illegal workers. Either we go for a long term solution or an immediate patch-up job.

Maybe we should be content to allow individuals and local businesses to perpetuate the low-wage, low-productivity, vicious cycle of cheap foreign labour. Maybe we should bear the accompanying ill-effects a little longer because no one is prepared to do anything.

In which case, Dr Chua Soi Lek is at least agreed in one thing: it is everyone's fault but theirs.

MARIAM MOKHTAR has a passion for people, places and plain speaking. Don't suffer fools gladly.