Aznil, who was active in the 1998 Indonesian reform movement, urged both governments to reconsider their labor systems and create a more adaptable framework that better reflects the reality of the labor market. He warned that unless this is addressed, incidents like the shooting will continue to occur, as will other human rights violations.

“This is a matter of supply and demand. Both Malaysia and Indonesia need workers. As long as the two countries fail to establish a governance system that aligns with the reality on the ground, tragic events like shootings, boat sinkings, and other human rights violations will continue to occur,” Aznil emphasized.

He also pointed out that the cultural and linguistic similarities between the two countries should facilitate the employment of migrant workers in the informal and traditional sectors. He suggested that the process for hiring workers in these sectors should be simplified.

“The requirements for competency and labor contracts in these sectors must be eased. If the system remains complicated, it only serves to foster the placement mafia and supports human trafficking practices,” Aznil added, further critiquing the system’s failure to support migrant workers’ rights.

Despite the failures of the labor system, Aznil called for justice for the Indonesian migrant worker killed by APMM officers. He insisted that both governments must take action to ensure accountability for the unlawful shooting.

“According to human rights and Indonesia’s constitution, the governments of both Indonesia and Malaysia are obligated to take action against the APMM officers responsible for the procedural shooting. These victims are not criminals; they are simply individuals seeking to survive. They are victims of a failed system,” he concluded.

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