RECENTLY, the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), in collaboration with the Regional United Nations Network for Migration, hosted the 2nd Asia-Pacific Regional Review of the Global Compact for Save, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) from February 4-6, 2025, at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand.
Government representatives from 31 member states attended, including those from South and Southeast Asia, Central Asia, East Asia, Europe, and the Pacific Islands.
Yet, Malaysia —despite holding the Asean Chair — was conspicuously absent.
This absence is deeply concerning, especially in light of the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR)’s recent disclosure that Malaysia has 2.37 million registered migrant workers, with unofficial estimates reaching 4 million.
Given our significant migrant workforce, why did Malaysia fail to participate in this critical discussion?
I was selected by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) as a stakeholder representative, but due to pressing commitments at my union, I could not attend in person. However, I engaged remotely in several sessions wherever possible.
As the Asean Chair, Malaysia had a unique opportunity to highlight national and regional migration challenges, influence policy discussions, and advocate for our workforce.
Our absence raises serious questions. Why did we forgo this platform? I urge MOHR to provide clarity on this missed opportunity.
Malaysia cannot afford to miss such critical platforms and be left out of crucial conversations on migration, as our absence from discussions allows others to shape decisions that directly affect us.
As the saying goes, if you’re not at the table, you risk being on the menu. – February 12, 2025
A. Balasubramaniam is the vice-president of the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC)