National Budget 2023- what does the million$ means to general people?

Read a joke, “only human has to pay to live on this earth”. How true! Human created it, along with private ownership. So, how much a person needs to live in Malaysia? Malaysia government says, minimum RM1,500 per month. That’s our minimum wage since May 2022, reviewed every 2 years by The National Wage Consultative Council Act 2011. After deduction, take home pay might be RM1,300, for an employed person. He or she must spent on food (17.3%) + 5.2% inflation, about 23% of RM1,300 is RM300 per month which is not practical in urban area. Even if I eat just for survival, minimum required is RM15 per day or 35% (RM450) from the income. For housing, water and electricity, with 1.2% inflation, need RM320. Again, with this amount, you can only rent a small room, about RM250. We need at least RM700-RM1000 per month to rent a 2 bedroom house/flat. Meanwhile with 3.9% inflation for transport, RM261 per month is the consumption, according to government data. Again, doubtful if this is the reality, considering for most low income jobs, work from home option is not possible and does not reflect bank loan repayment for vehicle (car or motorcycle). It’s not just petrol, toll and parking. At least RM500 needed monthly for transport. Government’s RM50 MRT My50 is very useful. I was using it for several months but still need to spend on petrol to travel from home to MRT station and car parking, with total cost about RM160 a month. How much more left from RM1,500 (450+700+500)? Nothing, on deficit by RM550!

If one falls sick or need new clothes or reload phone or repair leaking pipe or other family emergency and natural disaster such as flooding, has to rely on family members/parents or take loan. More debts with high interests! Can’t even provide for oneself, how to support another e.g. elderly mother, children, with mere RM1,500? It results in more people taking up second job.

Strong hearsay about B40 has become B60 (income classification). Many households are pushed from M40 to B40.
[In 2019, the average size of Malaysian households was 3.9 persons].

The gap between rich and poor is widening and national budget should redistribute resource effectively to enable the lower income group, live a decent life with adequate access to basic needs, quality food, savings for emergency and old age. Equally important, balanced lifestyle. Healthier workforce means higher productivity and GDP (the total value of everything – goods and services – produced in our economy).

How will the Budget help the vulnerable?

Obviously, people living in financial difficulties, want to know how the government budget will reduce their financial burden, job creation and how the inflation will be controlled. [The higher prices of goods and services, the more we need to fork out money while wages remains the same]. About creating job, not sure if that is the role of Government or private sectors. Since government is also investing in Business (GLCs), assuming they are responsible to create job and conducive environment for some 1.15 million SMEs or 97.2% of total businesses in the country (https://www.smecorp.gov.my).

The government reported (https://www.theedgemarkets.com) that the estimated income for 2023 is RM285.22 billion. RM372.3 billion is allocated under Budget 2023. Expenditure is more than income! RM272.3 billion for operating expenditure, RM95 billion for development expenditure. Budget 2023 provides RM55 billion for subsidies, social assistance and incentives. Apparently allocation for subsidy is reduced compared to previous year, according to MP Subang, Wong Chan.

• Electricity bill subsidy of up to RM40 will be provided for households with income of RM1,169 and below, compared to the present RM980 and below.
• RM2,500 for Bantuan Keluarga Malaysia (BKM)— one-off assistance for households with five children or more, with income of less than RM2,500 per month.
• BKM allocation is RM7.8 billion, to benefit 8.7 million recipients (about RM900 per household)
• One-off RM500 cash aid for mothers from Bantuan Keluarga Malaysia households who give birth in 2023
• Government to bear cost for B40 youths to get taxi, bus, e-hailing licenses via MyPSV programme
• Graduates with first-class bachelor’s degrees exempted from repaying PTPTN loans – good move but to what extend it benefits the low income group assuming that the first class bachelor’s are mostly people with better opportunity and wealth.
• RM256 million in monsoon season assistance to small rubber farmers, to benefit 320,000 small farmers (RM800 per farmer)
• Supplementary Food Plan rate raised from RM2.50 to RM3 in Peninsula, and from RM3 to RM4 in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan – good effort to feed the rural and poor primary school children.
• ‘Bantuan Awal Persekolahan’ aid will be extended to all pupils, irrespective of their parents’ income level (cash assistance RM150 one-off)
• Govt to provide RM700 as special financial assistance to 1.3 million civil servants grade 56 and below, and RM350 to 1 million govt pensioners next year; these provisions will amount to RM1.3 billion

Development project that would benefit the public:

• RM1.8 billion allocation for building of new hospitals, clinics and facilities, as well as for procurement of medical equipment. Let’s estimate RM150 million per hospital with 130 beds. Will the nation have another 10+ government hospitals within next 5 years (currently, 154 government hospitals and 250 private hospitals)?
• RM700 million allocated for flood mitigation plans – not sure if this is adequate and how soon and effective the mitigations will be. Recently, villagers from one location at Bt. 9 Hulu Langat, affected by EKVE project, said their village flooded 5 times this year. Damage to their property – car, house, household things, road and bridge. They spent RM15,000 to build a bridge with the funds collected among themselves. Not much help from the government and politicians. Only promises. There are many other locations in the 13 states, with same issues.

I am not an economist but as a lay person, the benefits are minimal. The one-off cash assistance, RM800-RM900, for basic needs or to pay any long outstanding debt is always good. If flood mitigation is done timely, then it will be another relief for many households who are sick to worry whenever the sky is cloudy. For low income families especially those with young children, increased quality of the supplementary food provided in schools is a good news. Increased number of hospital and reduced waiting period for critical illness treatment are important. So, I choose a government 5 years once only for this?

Letchimi Devi
(9 Oct 2022)

Corruption Exhilarates, Politics Stinks! Are we next in the list?

We all agree, no one goes bankrupt within a day. It’s a result of a bad financial management and policies. I am not ‘corruption expert’ but it seems with a free market system that allows individuals to accumulate profit through their ‘business’, it is inevitable. There is no control over how profit or wealth are accumulated or the type of business allowed or the extend of politics merging with business, no control.

No doubt in Malaysia, we have some good policies such as the 5 years plan, originated from USSR. Much importance given to rural development, addressing real needs of the people, basic infrastructure development and importance to public amenities (pre 1980s). There was structure in place (Rural Development II, The Red Book) on how to gather requests from the rural people from each district and plan for the public investment. Malaysia’s New Economic Policy was also praised by many, especially the initial phase, 1971-1990 timeline in addressing socio-economic inequalities. Some references do associates NEP to corruption.

Along with NEP, comes the ultimatum, growing number of SMEs and privatization policy. I assume corruption also thrived along with it. It has been there all along and that is the reason for Anti Corruption Agency in 1967. Referring to Tunku Abdul Aziz’s article on Stamping out Corruption in Malaysia, I like one of the point he made,

“…combating corruption requires public support and cultivating public confidence in the system if crucially important”

It’s gone, public confidence is gone!

How on earth can we restore public confidence if people holding the highest position in the government are the most corrupted. Conviction delayed, justice delayed and what more, they also have protection from the government apparatus. They even get elected during election. Why people still choose them is beyond my logic mind. They hold positions in businesses, director of this and that. Not one but several companies. Some even own offshore companies. It is a simple logic to me, don’t mix politics and business. As elected representative, you need to be with people who voted you, to represent their rights. Unfortunately, it appears that the corrupt politicians are here to accumulate wealth by hook or crook, because politics is a business, being in power is a business and to remain in power for ever is business. Some government servants, follows suit, learning from their bosses. Corruption has become a pandemic for more than a decade now. It has widely spread. Even the anti-corruption agencies (MACC and others) appears to be another government apparatus, not independent at all.

A research study on Cost of Corruption in Malaysia (IDEAS and CBI, May 2021) in supply chain. They documented “everyday” corruption and it’s negative impact on prices of consumer goods and services. We are all facing it now. The cost of living is keep soaring, not just because of the recovery phase from Covid pandemic and the Russian-Ukraine war, also because of another “C” – result of the Corruption.

Despite the vaccine found within 2 years to prevent Covid infection, it reinvents itself and continues to impact our day to day life. The lesson learned to control the disease is the need to have strong leadership, strategic planning that involves centralization, strong enforcement of measures, complete access to treatment and vaccine to everyone without any discrimination and information dissemination to all, using various platform to reach the people. No doubt there are some hiccups but we are doing good. We realized the importance of public hospitals, community participation, public health and general well being.

These elements are missing in addressing Corruption.

Despite already facing price hike, food shortage and natural disaster (massive flooding) farmers are being evicted, farming and agricultural land are turned into commercial property, deforestation and rapid development from Maharani Energy Gateway (e.g. sea reclamation, man made island) in the South to the Penang reclamation project (affecting mangrove area) in the North are indication of ‘policies gone wrong’.

So, are we next in line?

A lay person’s worry and concern about our present and future. Thank you for reading my mumblings.

Letchimi Devi
(14 July 2022)

Reference:
1. https://www.tiki-toki.com/timeline/entry/795566/Malaysias-Development-Plans-Policies-1956-Present/
2. https://www.unafei.or.jp/publications/pdf/RS_No56/No56_33VE_Aziz2.pdf
3. https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/225857

One Day I will Smile

Not a song, not a movie. It was a play titled, One Day I will Smile created by Parastoo Theater with a grant support from Atlantic Institute.

The Atlantic Fellows are a catalytic global community of accomplished leaders working in diverse settings and contexts to accelerate the eradication of inequity and injustice. Their collective vision is to achieve fairer, healthier and more inclusive societies.

Yasmin, suddenly she shouts loudly and punches the table. “Dog Dog Dog!!!!” She has seen her feet. “The dog ate my feet! Why do I always get attacked by dogs, scorpions, snakes, and zombies? The dog has eaten my leg’s flesh”. She drinks a little water and plays with tablets pills. “These are also ineffective”. She throws the tablets pills away a little. “Why? Why?”……….She walks a little, hums, brings a mirror and sees herself in it. “This is me”. She laughs and says to the mirror seriously. “Do not laugh! Shut up!” . There is silence and shaky hands. She takes the scissors and instead of combing her hair, she cuts it.

The Play: One Day I Will Smile [Photo Credit: Amin Kamrani]

This is the opening scene, written by Saleh Sepas, the Director of the show. A well researched story based on many such painful experiences shared by the community members. In consultation with mental health experts including Dr. Shantini Vanniasingham, a Clinical Psychologist with almost 30 years’ experience in the field and Health Equity Initiative (HEI) an NGO that provides mental health services, the story was carefully curated.

“First thanks to your good program, it was nice show but really painful it made me cry. I think support of family and encouragement can help sick people. But never use way of violence and power, especially in this situation that we are all refugee. We don’t have any supporter. So, we have not to give up. Well, it was great thank you all.”

Fatima Haideri , 29 expressed this after watching the play, along with 100 other women and some men, last month at one of the community centres located in Ampang. The play was in Persian language.

Forum Theater, one of the technique applied in Theater of Oppressed is the method used to engage the community members to talk about one of the most sensitive subject, mental health. Stigma against mental health remains, despite widely discussed as a result of Covid-19 pandemic. It affected many.

Dr. Shantini highlighted the importance of talking about how stigmas do not let any person to act in order to help their mental health situation. This was subtly included in the play.

The audience at the Play: One Day I Will Smile [Photo Credit: Amin Kamrani]

Stigma against a person living with a mental health condition can make their symptoms worse and make it hard to recover. A person may also be less likely to seek help if they live with stigma. Stigma may not be obvious or be expressed in large gestures. It can come in the words people use to describe a mental health condition or people living with mental illness. This can involve hurtful, offensive, or dismissive language, which can be upsetting for people to hear. This can cause them to feel alone and that no-one understands what they are going through. ^{_{(Ref: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mental-health-stigma)}}

Parastoo team also produced and distributed a brochure and video clip about mental health in Persian language to their community members of more than 3000 people, with the solidarity grant provided by Atlantic Institute.

The Atlantic Institute supports Atlantic Fellows to learn and work across programs, borders and disciplines by providing the networks, architecture and resources to connect, learn and act to address the underlying systemic causes of inequity – locally and globally.

Thank you
Letchimi Devi
Senior Atlantic Fellow Member

Stinking Fish and Coffee

Integrity, transparency, and the fight against corruption have to be part of the culture. They have to be thought as fundamental values. This is a statement made by Angel Gurria, OECD Secretary General. In Malaysia, corruption is a serious social disease. Malaysia ranked 57th in the corruption perception index. A survey conducted by University Kebangsaan Malaysia in 2002 on “Perception of Corruption in Malaysia’, showed that 30.5 per cent of students interviewed then had expressed willingness to accept bribes if they are in power and given the opportunity. 18 years later, Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) statistics from 2015-2019 showed that 2,442 or 52.5% of people arrested are below the age of 40.

MACC has opened an anti-corruption academy and partnered with public universities to deliver courses. The modules educate graduates on the importance of upholding strong morals, values and principles and following them constantly once they have graduated and joined the workforce. The effectiveness is yet to be realized. In 2017, the Integrity Institute of Malaysia (IIM) conducted a study on the Students’ Perception of Corruption and found that one in every three participants (35.8%) thinks that it is not corruption if a person receives gifts (in the form of money, goods or service) in exchange for another service rendered. 37.3% of the respondents assumed that submitting claims for fully sponsored outstation duties was not wrong. 20.6% of the respondents considered direct involvement in the process of appointing family members to fill vacancies in their department is a permissible act. Another research (2021) shows even though various campaigns and policies have been implemented by the government, but the effectiveness still cannot be categorized as successful. The amount and percentage of those who arrested because of misconduct and corruption did not show significant improvement.

The conditions that facilitates corruption in Malaysia is pointed to power, opportunity, and lack of moral values. Power is connected to bribery, exploitation, and conflict of interest. Political power is one factor creating opportunity to do corrupt acts. Lack of integrity, selfishness, greed, and temptation, as well as lack of principles and religion are the themes identified as linked to moral impurity. Another study (2018) results indicates that Malaysian public servants exhibit deficiencies in their knowledge of corruption. The study also revealed that the amount of knowledge of corruption an individual might have was influenced by gender, age, education level, income, and tenure.

The corrupt practices have become part of the culture. Some of the recent studies indicate lack of knowledge on corruption. More effort needed to build awareness among the youths through education and training.  They need to learn to make ethical choices. Increased awareness will create responsible youths. They need to be encouraged to act and prevent corruption, more innovatively.

Failing which, the implications is huge for the country, such as follows:

• Rasuah Busters team leader Datuk Hussamuddin Yaacub said based on the Global Financial Integrity Report 2017, the country has lost a whopping RM1.8 trillion between 2005 and 2014, partly due to corrupt practices that have resulted in illicit financial flows. Malaysia is expected to lose between RM40 billion and RM60 billion every year due to corruption.
• A recent study found that corruption not only marked up prices of goods but had also incurred a 14.8% increase in costs in property developments which was then absorbed by homebuyers. 

Targeting the youth, as a significant force for the awareness programme as they are the upcoming generation of leaders. The youth in the age group 15-24 comprised of about 16% while 25-54 years are 40%, of some 33 million population. Furthermore, the voting age for Malaysians was lowered from 21 to 18 after the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2019 was passed in 2019. They will be able to vote in the upcoming election. The youths are important decision makers in selecting and choosing most credible and ethical leaders.The youths are important decision makers in selecting and choosing most credible and ethical leaders. Youth unemployment, poor social protection, rising cost of living, challenges in accessing quality education, healthcare, housing and so many other injustice and inequality are affecting the youths. They are the catalyst and change makers.

Youth Development Activity using non-formal education is one way forward to create a stronger level of engagement especially with young people between the age group 15-24, encourage their personal development and foster their commitment to fight corruption. Forum Theater can be a handy tool to apply. It is a method that engages, create dialogue, empower individuals and helping towards finding solutions. Provide the young people with some tools such as letter writing skills to highlight any unethical issues at work place or school to the relevant authorities, information on virtual learning programs provided by several agencies and any other suggestions that they might propose during the Forum Theater sessions.

Reference:
• https://www.unikl.edu.my/macc-launch-unikl-integrity-and-anti-corruption-programme/
• https://www.unikl.edu.my/macc-launch-unikl-integrity-and-anti-corruption-programme/
• https://www1.undp.org/content/fairbiz/en/home/blog/promoting-a-fair-business-environment-in-malaysia.html
• https://hrmars.com/papers_submitted/10256/corruption-and-islamization-in-malaysia.pdf
• International Conference on Accounting Studies 2014, ICAS 2014, 18-19 August 2014, Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia
• Journal of Governance and Integrity (JGI) ISSN: 2600-7479; e-ISSN: 2600-786X; Volume 1, Issue 2, 150-174, July 2018 ©Universiti Malaysia Pahang
• Malaysia to see up to RM60 bil losses from corruption every year: NGO | Malaysia | The Vibes
• “Corruption in the Supply Chain: Forms and Impacts on Consumers” https://www.propertyguru.com.my/property-news/2021/6/199333/study-shows-corruption-can-drive-up-costs-of-property-developments-by-almost-15
• https://www.indexmundi.com/malaysia/demographics_profile.html
• https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2021/10/07/5-8-million-aged-18-and-above-now-listed-as-new-voters/
• https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/2009_WP_Youth_EN.pdf

Note:
This is part of the text from a project proposal that I am writing, for an organisation I am volunteering with. The project design part is partially removed. The title is from an article published by BBC in 2013 “Stinking fish and coffee: The language of corruption”

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Thank you
Letchimi Devi

Socialism 2021: Conversation on Capital, Labor, Health and Fascism

While listening to the Socialism 2021: Overcoming Multiple Crises of Capitalism, can’t help but look for information about who got richer during pandemic. Not one but 4 crisis in one go, Covid-19, Climate Emergency, Debt/Economic Crisis, Socio-Economic Inequality. One of the speaker, Dr. Rene Ofreneo from Phillipines highlighted a contradiction which relates to current increase in cost of living, over production and under consumption. Simply because the general justification provided for the price increase is labor shortage and increase in operational cost! If that’s the case, the workers should be getting more wages, is it not? No, they are still struggling with low pay. If I understood Dr. Rene correctly, the reason is Financialization – market speculation! Both the consumers and workers seems to be for ever in crisis while the investors, play God deciding the extent of our suffering!

Billionaire Boom!

While many poor people became poorer, the number of millionaires increased by 5.2 million to 56.1 million globally, Credit Suisse research found [BBC, 23 Jun 2021]. The 400 richest Americans added $4.5tn to their wealth last year, a 40% rise, even as the pandemic shuttered large parts of the US, according to Forbes magazine’s [The Guardian, 5 Oct 2021].

Link: https://www.ft.com/content/747a76dd-f018-4d0d-a9f3-4069bf2f5a93

The billionaire boom! The writer Ruchir Sharma says, “the biggest surge came in China, which added 238 billionaires for a total of 626. Next came the US, which added 110 for a total of 724”. The writer provides analysis who are good and bad billionaires and the possibility of backlash or uprising as a result of the inequality the system creates. Indian billionaires increased their wealth by 35% during the lockdown, says Oxfam report [The Hindu, 21 Jan 2021]. Tycoons on the 2021 Forbes Malaysia Rich List saw a rebound. The nation’s 50 richest saw their collective wealth rose 14% to nearly US$90 billion, up from $79 billion a year ago [Forbes, 02 Jun 2021].

The Forbes mentioned rubber industries e.g. glove, metal (aluminium), home improvement, tech hub and Banking gained in Malaysia despite the pandemic and continous lock down that crippled most of our livelihoods.

Red Carpet for Investors

Another concern raised during Socialism 2021, governments don’t have adequate resources to redistribute wealth because they have to compete with neighbouring countries to bring in foreign investment. To do so, they compete to keep the corporate tax low, wages low and more privatisation. There are also another factor, corruption. Even if government has resources, would they prioritize people’s need?

I like the term used by Dr. Rene Ofreneo [Presiden Freedom from Debt Coalition and former Dean of the School of Labor and Industrial Relations (SOLAIR), University of the Philippines] in his presentation at Socialism 2021, “Government still rolling red carpet for investors”. He highlighted 4 crises that we are all in now, Covid-19, Climate Emergency, Debt/Economic Crisis and Socio Economic Inequality, in his presentation on Capitalism’s Economic Crises: People vs Profit.

So, what are the solutions proposed by Socialism 2021 virtual conference held on 27 and 28 Nov 2021? There were some interesting terms used by Dr. Rene Ofreneo, Socializing the Solutions, Sovereignity, Sustainability and Solidarity. The words ryhming well, isn’t it. Dr. Chee Heng Leng of People’s Health Forum, Malaysia said taxation is the best way forward if we have the option to ensure Universal Health Care. She spoke this during her presentation on Building An Equitable Health Care System for the 21st Century.

While we as audience still grasping with this terms, comes the next session on Revolutionary Unionism with a statement ‘interest of workers and capitalist are antagonistic’. Luke Espiritu, Presiden Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), Filipina spoke on this and elaborated the concept of Labor Aristocrat and Traditional Unionism. Interesting point to note on the difference between economic struggle as end goal or economic and political struggle as end goal. I assume it’s the later as a viable solution, considering the challanges workers are facing now as a result of capital pro governments is overwhelming: precarity, survivalism, ideological hegemony of the ruling class.

Looking forward for the second part of Socialism 2021, 4-5 Dec 2021.

Letchimi Devi
29 Nov 2021

Social Protection to what extent…..

"Social security is not charity, but a fundamental human right"

The current Prime Minister said “New and innovative social protection solutions are urgently required to strike a balance between the provision of safety nets, promote financial resilience and human capital development” [The Sun, 23 Nov 2021] while NUBE secretary general J Solomon, saying the government is using the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) funds to stimulate the economy during the Covid-19 crisis hence should be returned [The Malaysian Reserve, 23 Nov 2021]. NUBE says some 3.6 million members have less than RM1,000 in their savings, leaving them vulnerable and unprotected for their retirement. In one hand government talks about social protection solution, on the other hand EPF members were encouraged to withdraw money [RM101 billion withdrawn] from their savings during the pandemic and making them more vulnerable. Must be noted that Malaysia’s population aged 65 and over are increasing (7.4%, 2021: DOSM). Is the pandemic to be blamed since it’s a new experience for all of us? But it is definitely helping us to rethink and recalibrate our approach because many people lost their income/ jobs, their family members, their assets/savings that led to poverty, poor health and much more unbearable situation to the extent some attempted suicide.

World Social Protection Report 2020-2022 says, a cumulative number of 1,600 social protection measures announced in response to the Covid-19 crisis (Feb – Dec 2020). It’s unprecedented but the pandemic has also exposed the gaps. As we are in recovering period, lesson’s learned should help us to improve.

What is Social Protection?

Social protection is defined as the set of policies and programs designed to reduce poverty and vulnerability by promoting efficient labor markets, diminishing people’s exposure to risks, and enhancing their capacity to protect themselves against hazards and interruption/loss of income.

In Malaysia we have EPF, SOCSO (Social Security Organisation) for both employment hazard (also covers migrant workers) and job loss (employment insurance scheme or EIS), Civil Service Pension Scheme, MySalam National Health Scheme and social assistance program under the Ministry of Women and Community Development for the elderly, single parents, children, for emergency/disasters and other vulnerabilities. It’s mainly cash assistance and short term. Government is also encouraging upskilling and reskilling which is co-ordinated by Human Resource Ministry (HRM). Hiring incentives and Short-Term Employment programme (MySTEP) were also introduced in recent years, implemented by SOCSO (https://www.myfuturejobs.gov.my). It is also tied to the EIS that provides both monetary benefits and job-search assistance when anyone lost their job.

How effective are the existing social protection schemes?
What we commonly hear from workers or activists and labor organizations such as JPKK (Government Contract Workers Network) and JPTF (Informal Workers Network) working with the following population is that, employers are not complying with the Employment Law to pay EPF and SOCSO! They even started a petition [https://chng.it/j52SWWkFqK].

• Contract Workers
• Lorry Drivers
• Gig Workers
• Other Informal Workers
• Migrants

How to find out how many employees are facing non payment of EPF and Socso issue with their employers? According to EPF website, there are 14 million EPF members. Uncertain how many are active contributors considering the data for year 2020 shows some 14.9 are employed but only 9.4 million are wage earners (full time job). The remaining are either own worker or unpaid workers. Perhaps EPF and HRM has the data, to address the social protection gap.

EIS to help GIG workers and Self Employed

Informal Sector Work Force Survey Report by DOSM (2019) adopts ILO’s (International Labor Organisation) definition “The informal sector may be broadly characterized as consisting of units engaged in the production of goods or services with the primary objective of generating employment and incomes to the persons concerned. These units typically operate at a low level of organisation, with little or no division between labour and capital as factors of production and on a small scale.” The survey says, almost 70 per cent of informal employment in the informal sector comprised of self-employed.

The Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (Insap) said in a statement (FMT, 01 July 2021) to allow jobless micro firm owners, gig workers, self-employed workers, and contract-based workers access to the EIS facility, as they are excluded from aid measures such as the loan moratorium and wage subsidy.



No Job Guarantee No Social Protection

For wage earners, minimum wage is also a form of protection. It remains RM1,200 for urban and RM1,100 for rural areas since 2020, but workers are still reporting that they are not paid the minimum wages [https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2021/07/704264/50000-cleaners-schools-paid-below-minimum-wage]. In fact many had to suffer pay cut or nonpayment of wages during the pandemic. According to JPKK, contract work means job is not guaranteed and they are hired as new worker every year or so. It also means no wage increment or other benefits. Social protection for an estimated 150,000 cleaners and security guards in government hospitals and schools are affected with such contractual system [https://jpkk.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/JPKK-2021_Investigative-Report-on-the-Beneficiaries-of-Govt-Contract-System.pdf]. Majority of them are local workers. A misconception that they are migrant workers and not to be bothered!

More Resources for Labor Protection

If all employers are registered with the government, then there should be a centralised mechanism (e.g. database) to monitor compliance, unless the companies are operating illegally! Another gap identified by the labor activist are the access to labor department. It’s too far or they have to frequently attend the reconciliation process, if they file the case. The workers can’t afford the cost. Some workers are not familiar with the whole process/procedures. To engage legal representative is even more costly.

Refer to the Salary and Wages Statistics below, mean monthly wages is below RM2,100 when the cost of living is keep rising (https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2021/10/11/urgency-to-address-rising-cost-of-living)

According to MTUC (Malaysian Trade Union Congress) only 6% (875,193 of the 14.5 million workers) are organized. If we exclude civil service workers, less than 2% (359,206 workers in private sector; MK 19 Nov 2017) are unionised! Probably a result of growing contractualization and informal work system. The impact, workers (both formal and informal) lack awareness on their rights and support system including labor service centers in strategic locations. A survey conducted by PSM (Parti Sosialis Malaysia, April 2021) provides detail explanation on this and they provided recommendation to HRM which includes reducing cost for workers, not to restrict representation during reconciliation process and others. There is a huge gap in ensuring social protection.



Extend Social Protection to Vulnerable Communities

Everyone was affected during the pandemic, but some were affected far more than others. For example, migrant and refugees, completely marginalized. Not without public pressure were they later had access to vaccination and some basic needs. Something that I was grateful during the pandemic was the fact that we still have government run hospitals. Imagine if this important public service were also privatised like many others, probably I’ll be dead and not reflecting on this topic!

Below are some suggestions based on the gaps identified, taking reference from ILO Social Protection Platform and others, to reflect on.

(a) In 2008, the Government of India passed the Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act, which stipulates minimum social security measures for informal sector workers, including health and maternity benefits, old-age pensions and death and disability grants. Subsequently, national- and state level social security boards were set up to implement the provisions of the Act. The Act also encourages the formation of WFCs (Workers Facilitation Centres). WFC bridges the gap between the Goverment’s program and intended beneficiries.

(b) Universal Basic Income (UBI): much debated policy. PSM (Parti Sosialis Malaysia) proposed modified universal basic income to anyone who does not currently have a source of income, to boost the economy especially during recession/pandemic situation. PSM is proposing RM1,000 a month under the modified UBI as the amount should be enough to cover the purchase of basic food supplies but not too high that it discourages people from working. [Malaysia Kini, 14 Jun 2020]. This is an unemployment protection.

(c) Universal Child Benefit – highly recommended to ensure children’s well-being. It can also respond to the financial burden of high childcare costs. UNICEF’s 2019 report says that in Malaysia, 20.7 per cent of children under five suffer from stunting and 11.5 per cent from wasting, 12.7 per cent of children (5–19-year-olds) are obese. … Poor urban areas in Malaysia record higher percentages of malnourished children than the national average indicates. Khazanah Research Institute (KRI) has proposed to establish a universal child benefit (UCB) scheme. According to KRI, there are programmes such as the Bantuan Kanak-Kanak assistance as well as tax benefits but only high income earners tend to get higher tax benefits while those in the middle, who do not qualify for Bantuan Kanak-Kanak, do not have a high enough income to benefit adequately from tax reliefs [The Edge, 23 Sept 2021].

(d) Old Age Social Protection Scheme: recommended by MTUC. MTUC is proposing a nominal percentage from taxes collected be set aside into a pension fund or, alternatively, channelled to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) whereof an equitable pension payment scheme be devised to provide for retirees, because the ageing population would neither have sufficient EPF savings post retirement nor an old age social security fund to provide them with financial sustenance. (Focus, 11/1/2021)

(e) Labor Right for Refugees: Malaysia with some 180,000 refugees. hosting refugees since 1980s. They are significant labor force of informal economy. They been facing exploitation without any legal protection. They should be provided work rights and other benefits as per the Employment Act. Malaysia being part of the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and recently (14 Oct) elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council for 2022-2024 term, need to honor the international refugee protection including UDHR.

Ending this article with a quote from the World Social Protection report,
“Social security is not charity, but a fundamental human right. The challenges that individuals and societies face today are manifold, including ever more rapidly changing labour market. Universal social protection is both an indispensable safeguard and a lever, enabling people to live dignified lives and to embrace change with confidence. Universal social protection, guarantees that all members of society are well protected, be they children or older persons, or those affected by ill health, unemployment, or disability, on a basis of social solidarity and collective financing. By ensuring access to healthcare and income security, it prevents or at least alleviates poverty and reduces vulnerability, social exclusion, and inequality, while supporting growth and prosperity”



Letchimi Devi.D
25 Nov 2021

Health and Language Barrier

By Letchimi Devi (23 Sept 2021)

A month ago, I experienced terrible lower abdominal pain, was feeling nausea and vomiting. Seeking treatment at public hospital was not an option as the government hospitals were overwhelmed with Covid patients. As it was late evening and due to Covid SOP, private clinics nearby my house, closed early. Found one anyway. The doctor asked me few questions including to describe the pain. The consultation was within 10 minutes. He gave me some medicine. It cost me about MYR70. But I was still having acute pain.  I was still vomiting, unable to consume anything. The same night went to a private hospital.  I paid deposit MYR150 and then the health worker asked me several questions. They took some tests. They gave me some jabs. When the pain recedes, they asked if I want to be admitted for observations and more test. I was worried about cost and refused. In total I paid MYR648.30. The next day, I was still vomiting. Decided to go back to the clinic. Only then I realized when I met the doctor earlier, I forgot to tell him about the vomiting symptom. The doctor gives me a jab and it costs me about MYR50. Till today, I don’t know what triggered the problem, was it the Covid vaccine I took a day before or my poor food habits?

Being a private person, sharing my health condition is unthinkable. But the intention here is to explain

• the challenges in articulating the medical conditions to health workers
• the pain factors
• the financial aspect

that many are facing silently especially the migrant workers from countries that does not have Malay or English as their native language. Malaysia has million of migrant workers in mostly hazardous industries such as construction, manufacturing, and plantation.

How do I explain?

For example, while I was in pain, the health workers asked me ‘where is the pain’, ‘do you feel pain here, there while pressing my stomach’ and I was clueless how to describe the pain and end up saying, ‘I feel pain where you press so hard’. The doctor tried to explain.  While I am writing this piece, I had to look up Google for the right words to describe the health conditions including this, “Abdominal pain can be crampy, achy, dull, intermittent or sharp”. I can only feel, can’t really put a term for a pain, despite my ability to speak English and Malay. Now, imagine a migrant worker who might only know few basic words to survive in Malaysia, how would they explain the pain? Or tell exactly where the pain is? During treatment, these conversation between a patient and health worker generally takes place when the person is in extreme pain. And then we also need to answer about menstrual period (for female), personal details, medical record, and blah blah blah. I didn’t even have the energy to think or talk. In fact, I forgot to tell about some symptom. Imagine a migrant worker who does not speak the same language as the health worker. The most they can do is point to the pain. Can’t even explain symptoms. Would he or she, have understood what the doctor explained during the consultation? Would they able to remember their health record? Also, when the health worker explained about the doctor’s prescription/medicine, nothing went to my head but since I can read the instruction, it’s still okay. But this is not the case for a migrant worker who also can’t read Malay or English! How would they know how many pills to take, at what time and about follow-up treatment?

While writing this, I can only visualize ‘a wet chicken’ in place of the migrant worker (patient): feeling of shame, dejected and fear of unknown! It doesn’t stop there; they still need to pay for the treatment.

Do I have enough in my wallet?

In terms of social economic ranking, I am privileged. I paid about MYR768 for the treatment which is 17-18 days salary of a laborer who generally earn minimum wage of MYR1,200 per month. I can claim from medical insurance if I have one. Assume a migrant worker having same symptom as mine, would he/she seek treatment? Probably only at the clinic.   Should be noted that in Malaysia, for documented migrant workers, the employers must register them with Social Security Organization (SOCSO) for employment injury (since Jan 2019) and to provide insurance (since 2011). The insurance coverage is MYR10,000 for treatment and hospitalization charges.  The general perception, the coverage is not enough because the workers are charged foreigner rate at Government Hospital. For example, registration fees for outpatient treatment for Malaysians in government hospital is MYR1.00, while the migrant workers are charged MYR50.00 

Can we bridge the communication gap?

A team of us from the Equity Initiative, from different countries (Vietnam and Philippines), with the help of some migrant workers in Malaysia, opted to study on how we can help bridge the communication between the Migrant Workers and Health Workers. Here are some of the findings based on our qualitative study, using small sample:

1. Communication

• 54% of the Vietnamese migrant workers (service and manufacturing) interviewed, believe that they do not have communication barriers with the health workers while the same percentage of workers admit that their ability to speak English or Malay is very poor. Despite the difficulty, the workers use local language to communicate with our Health Workers, either on their own or with the help of their friends/co-workers. About 46% of them said that they use sign language as well to support their narrative. 70% of the workers also expressed fear to visit doctors alone. They prefer to take someone with them especially friends who are able to speak and read the local language. This is to help them explain their health issues to the doctor, read instructions, fill up, to navigate, and others.

• All the health workers (100%) responded to our questionnaire, confirmed that language and communication is a major challenge followed by cost or financial limitations and transportation. The health workers added that the consequences of the communication challenges are the inability to gather medical history, lack of follow-up appointment for both treatment and monitoring of recovery, lack compliance to medication and information on health care as well as occupational hazards. They are also of the view that the Migrant Workers are not concern about their health. Their views cut cross all migrant workers and not specific to Vietnamese workers.

Based on the health workers response, though 54% workers said that they communicate in local language during their visit for health care, the fluency and clarity in communication is high likely at the lowest level.  Also, as per the Maslow hierarchy of needs, psychological needs (e.g. food, shelter, sleep) are primary, which most migrant workers are struggling with to attain. Safety needs including health is secondary.

1. Health Issue & Treatment

• On the common health symptoms, 92% of the migrant workers complained about having ‘headache’, followed by feeling stressful (62%). Other minor symptoms (31%) including cold, fever, stomachache, toothache, and body pain. Treatment for symptoms are obtained by visiting health workers at government or private clinic including panel clinics, according to 54% of the workers interviewed. The others, 46% relies on home medicine or over the counter purchase/pharmacy. 60% of the workers interviewed said that during consultation with doctors, they are unable to remember recommendation/advices or understand the prescription and they fear to ask any question, in the brief consultation time.
• The feedback from Health Workers corroborates on the common health symptoms reported by the Migrant workers, in addition to gastric/abdominal problem, bowel problem, lung infection, skin irritation and cancer.

Covid-19 pandemic

The Covid pandemic situation that the whole world is experiencing since 2020, was a significant highlight on how the migrant workers, documented or undocumented were subjected to discrimination. The team experienced this during the field work.

There is a deep fear factor among the workers, especially among the sample population targeted. The Vietnamese workers were reluctant to give interview or share information. The team believes the ongoing mix messages and actions from the government on Covid-SOP and vaccinations, led to many believe that they will be arrested and detained. This is because, many workers lost their job, passport and work permit expired and some did not get any salary for months or only paid small amount. Some employers just abandoned the workers. Some of these workers have no choice but to endure the ill-treatment while some runaway to find other employment, for their survival. During the course of our field work, reports were made to the Human Resource Ministry and the relevant Embassies on the labour right violations witnessed including Covid-19 SOP violations.

Proposed Interventions

Language barrier leads to complex issues such as low health literacy, the workers unable to prioritize their own health, uncertainty on the effectiveness of treatment provided as they don’t go for follow-up treatment and compliance to medical advices. The current pandemic has further strengthened the importance of health literacy among the migrant workers as they continue to face discrimination and access to health care becomes even more challenging.

The recommendations from both the health workers and the migrant workers are:

• to increase health literacy including self-care as prevention measure.
• translator service, either provided by the company that hires the workers or through community support system or use of technology such as Translation App.  

Policy level intervention to ensure affordable access to health care for migrant workers is a long-term goal for many activists working with migrant workers. The team is thinking of something intermediary. We are now working on a health toolkit for our Migrant Workers to be better equipped in sustaining a healthy lifestyle, access health and post health issue management. Migrant Workers have helped shape and sustain our economy. It is time we recognize their support by helping them sustain their health.

Call for Action: If you are design thinker and has some relevant working experience, reach out to us, letchimi.devi@gmail.com or WhatsApp 016-9268776.

Thank you

Moratorium: Bank Loan, Rent, Eviction

Many middle and low income families especially those with unstable employment, artists and those working on contractual basis or seasonal jobs are facing much challenges to survive, pay house rent, housing loans while some has study loans, car loans, business loans and personal loans. Today, the word MORATORIUM and WAIVER become common for bank loan, interest rates, penalty charges and what not, as policy responce to C-pandemic.

Moratorium, a temporary suspension or loan deferment, when we are facing C-pandemic for almost 2 years now! Many has lost their job, take home pay is teribbly reduced due to C-SOP. Some of these workers don’t even have social security savings such as EPF. Anytime they can get evicted from their house for accrued rental or loan non-payment. The government provide some stimulus packages and incentives to help vulnerable families, but it doesn’t reach all and the amount is also not adequate to cover all costs from grocery to paying rental. Some of are facing challenges to even apply for these incentives via online since lockdown means travel restriction, government services interrupted and many vulnerable persons are not IT literate. There is no recent statistics on homelessness but organisations running food aid/soup kitchen reported increase in number of people lining up for food daily.

The question though, why temporary and why not waiver interest on loans or some portion of the loan as one of the policy? Because situation are getting worse for the people while the Bank CEOs are earning in millions. The Edge reported that Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd president and CEO Tan Kong Khoon took home RM8.15 million in total remuneration in FY2020……. If we question this, they say it’s depositors money that are being lent out but how come these CEOs and upper management can take home so much? In fact during this hard time, only a small percentage can afford to deposit while majority will be withdrawing money and their savings for survival.

Debt Cancellation

Tamil Nadu, India which has GDP per capita almost 4 times lower than Malaysia, intends to waive farm and education loans to ensure welfare of vulnerable communities during this pandemic. India has history of writing off loans since the medeval era. The first nationwide farm-loan waiver in independent India was implemented in 1990 by the VP Singh-led government. Online references also says there has been a wave of such schemes by different State governments. In one of the state recently, a case was filed by a businessman to waive interest on loans during the period of moratorium because many of lost their liveliood due to the lockdown. This is being studied by the Indian government. 

Bhutan, rated as happiest place in the world, faced adverse economic impact due to C-pandemic since the country relies on tourism and related services sector. One of their policy response is grant for individuals directly affected by the pandemic and full interest waiver on loans contracted since April 10, 2020 until September 2020, and partial (50 percent) interest waiver until June 2022.

I am not an economist but as an ordinary person, the income disparity is clear. As everyone keep saying one need to take the unusual measures to address the unusual circumstances we are in today. Both the government and the BANK under their Corporate Social Responsibility can use debt relief programme to those who are genuinely distressed. Write of portion of their bank loan or do away with the interest rate.

Letchimi Devi
6th August 2021

Reference:
1. https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/cover-story-2-how-much-did-malaysias-top-guns-take-home-2020
2. https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/loan-waivers-are-a-double-edged-sword/article31789331.ece
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loan_waiver
4. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19
5. https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/more-people-in-malaysia-struggling-with-extended-covid-19-lockdown
6. https://scroll.in/article/974295/covid-19-crisis-is-it-fair-for-interest-on-loans-under-moratorium-to-be-waived
7. https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2020/11/21/epf---the-withdrawal-syndrome

Together we heal, learn and shine

Letchimi Devi
In conjunction with 2021 World Refugee Day

Let’s start with a hypothetical situation.

“Due to massive corruption, misuse of power, and widening wealth gap, a massive internal conflict emerged. Clashes of ideology and political instability led to resentment among people. Eventually violence caused dislocation of people”

Let’s say, this situation is happening here in Malaysia, 5-10 years from now and the most affected community are those living in Northern Peninsular. Where would the people go in order to ensure their survival and well being? Possibly they will flee to their friends and family members staying in the Southern Malaysia or they will cross the border and flee to Thailand. Meanwhile the richest families there, might go for holidays overseas until everything settles. The question to you if you are a living in the turmoil area, will you:

	A	B
Flee for your safety?	No	Yes
Cross border using legal or illegal means for the safety of your family and you?	No	Yes
When you successfully reach the neighbouring country, will you expect some protection from the said government	No	Yes
You will stay put in the turmoil area until aid reaches you	No	Yes
You will join one of the factions and fight for what you believe	No	Yes

There is no right or wrong answer because every decision is a mix of emotion, values, principles, and the context. World Refugee Day (WRD), 20 June, a reminder that we might become a future statistic of the current 80 million displaced people and 26 million refugees globally if we continue to face political instability.  In conjunction with WRD, let us together explore, learn, heal, and shine.

 Let’s start with some contradictions observed:

• General Malaysians reaction to the long-standing Palestinians issue as a result of 1947 partition voted by United Nations, which led to ongoing clash between Jews and Arabs in Palestine: Viewed from religious angle, Muslim unity is much talked about. Well, how about some 6,620 Pakistanis, 3,670 Yemenis, 3,270 Syrians 3,230 Somalis, 2,640 Afghans, 1,210 Iraqis, 750 Palestinians, and some 102,560 Rohingyas – these are all Muslim refugees seeking asylum in Malaysia due to war and persecution in their country. Does the religion and unity factor have any influence here?
• Malaysians are very kindhearted in supporting the campaign to assist thousands of displaced people in war-ravaged Yemen. More than a million (USD) was raised. Are Malaysian’s willing to extend the humanitarian assistance to the Yemenis and other refugees who are seeking temporary asylum in Malaysia, especially in giving them right to work and live with dignity in Malaysia?
• It is also quite surprising when Malaysia, who has been sympathetic to the cause of Rohingya at one point on the basis of religion suddenly took a hard stand with hate speech and even ill-treating refugees since the start of Covid pandemic.

The assumption from these situations are two, political manipulation or we have the sadist tendency? No surprise in us being sadist since we have the gene of our ancestors lived as hunters and gatherers for about 150,000 years, 5000 years of slavery, some 2,500 years as feudal society and the last 200 years as capitalist society. Except in the primitive society, in the others we have 2 class, oppressor and oppressed.

Look at the way, how the current government is handling the undocumented migrant community. Clueless, whether decision making is for political or scientific reason. Physical distancing, wearing mask (not one but two) and sanitation is repeated every minute, yet they started to arrest and detain them. Locking people in crowded space with poor ventilation and hygiene is violation of SOP and an act of dehumanizing. Reason given for the arrest is to enforce vaccination!!

“Refugees and migrants live and work in often-harsh conditions with inadequate access to health, housing, water, sanitation, and other basic services,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “It is vital for all countries to reduce barriers that prevent refugees and migrants from obtaining health care, and to include them in national health policies.”  It’s unfortunate that those in power in Malaysia, doing exactly the opposite.

Meanwhile OECD [The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development] policy responses report to coronavirus in October 2020, stated that most OECD countries offer access to testing and to emergency health care for migrants, including those in an irregular situation, if they contracted COVID‑19. Free access to necessary treatment related to COVID‑19 irrespective of status is, for example, possible in Belgium, Chile, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Luxembourg, Mexico, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland. Portugal temporarily regularised migrants in an irregular situation to ensure full access to the health care system. Similarly, Spain suspended the obligation to have valid documents in order to continue receiving aid covering basic needs.

In February 2021, Malaysia announced that covid-19 vaccinations will be offered to foreign residents and undocumented migrants including refugees. In May 2021, the government made a U-Turn.

Is there any hope? Off course, let’s look at all those good hearted and compassionate people who fight for justice, fairness, and equity. There are many selfless people especially among the vulnerable community that we should cherish and get inspired.

A campaign was launched on 7 June 2021 by some 20 organizations urging the government to stop operations of arresting undocumented foreigners and to focus on the goal of controlling the spread of the Covid-19 outbreak. Some organizations such as Beyond Borders Malaysia, Refugee for The Refugees, The Lost Food Project, Project Wawasan Rakyat and many individuals joining hand to provide food supply during lock down (MCO) since the beginning of the pandemic. Mental health support and access to health care are also being initiated and provided to the vulnerable community. These are mostly efforts of non-governmental organizations such as Health Equity Initiatives (HEI), Mercy Malaysia, Buddhist Tzu Chi.

A study carried out by Verghis S, Pereira X, Kumar AG, Koh A, Singh-Lim A on COVID-19 and Refugees in Malaysia: An NGO Response [Intervention 2021; 19:15-20], highlights some of the pertinent issues that the refugee communities are facing currently such as food and housing insecurity as a result of lockdowns, arrest and detention, hate speech and racism and finally access to Covid-19 screening, testing and treatment. Their conclusion, fulfilling the promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to leave no one behind requires the inclusion and participation of all people.

Whereas the OECD policy responses to mitigate the employment and other negative impacts on immigrants during coronavirus are:

• Facilitating stay in case of unemployment and reduced income: many countries have extended permits or removed obligations to leave, to prevent legally staying migrants from falling into an irregular situation.
• Extending coverage of support measures
• Extending work rights
• A number of communication campaigns aimed at preventing a backlash in public opinion against immigrants in the course of the pandemic, with a particular focus on tackling misinformation regarding the role of migrants in the spread of the virus. United Nations has provided guidance note. German anti-discrimination agency launched a dedicated campaign to raise awareness about the rise and provides information on how victims can obtain help. Some countries have publicly recognized the contribution of immigrants in the pandemic. 

The 2021 World Refugee Day theme is very apt to our experience especially last year when hate speech against migrants and refugees are at the height. Refugee and migrant community are facing huge humanitarian crisis, more so during this pandemic and there are some measures that the governments can take as per some examples above. We are much more blessed than million others regardless of the prolong lockdown. Let’s show the better side of humanity.

Reference:
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20201016-why-some-people-are-cruel-to-others

https://digest.bps.org.uk/2019/12/10/good-at-heart-10-psychology-findings-that-reveal-the-better-side-of-humanity/

https://www.oecd.org/coronavirus/policy-responses/what-is-the-impact-of-the-covid-19-pandemic-on-immigrants-and-their-children-e7cbb7de/

Forum Theatre: Tool for the Voiceless

Letchimi Devi, 2 April 2021

I worked with a refugee organization for almost 1.5 decade. I thought my knowledge about refugee communities are good until this incident. Parastoo Theatre founder, Mr. Saleh suggested an online forum theater session with the Rohingya community members, on the issue of domestic violence. Online session is the only option considering the ongoing movement control order. I was uncertain if it will work with the Rohingya participants. So, I suggested that they approach other community who has better access to gadgets and language skills. I was soooo wrong!!! They spoke and they spoke well, without fear.

On 13 March 2021, Parastoo Team members, Saleh and Amin, successfully completed the one hour online Forum Theatre, “Overcoming Hardship In Time of Crisis” with the Rohingya community members. Mostly women and participating in group of families or friends. What amazed me most was their engagement level, as this was my fear. Two interpreters, one for Burmese and another for Rohingya language were the main players. The play was in English language, performed by experienced actors Reza Hosseini, Masooma Sepas and Farzana Yakta.

OVERCOMING HARDSHIP IN TIME OF CRISIS

“It has gotten worse during the pandemic. The families have resorted to the unwanted physical, psychological, verbal, and sexual violence due to job loss, financial and psychological problem, frustration, and lack of mutual respect at home. The rate of domestic violence has multiplied during the pandemic, which in some cases has resulted to depression, divorce, beatings and running away from home,” said Saleh when we were discussing a project proposal for Solidarity Grant offered by Atlantic Institute and The Equity Initiative, mid last year, for vulnerable communities affected by Covid pandemic.

Right after the grant was approved in September 2020, interviews were carried out to have deep understanding on the domestic violence situation among several refugee communities in Malaysia, mainly the Afghans, Somalis, Yemenis and the Rohingya. Saleh developed a script based on these real life experiences. Two months later, we had a story to tell, Overcoming Hardship in Time of Crisis.

A Joker in Forum Theatre

It was a privilege, to read the 7 page script turning into a 15-20 minutes play in front of my eyes. The amount of practice to memorize the script in English, the performers body language, expression and emotions was a real show of talent. The first life show with the Afghan community on 29th December in front of 23 participants was a valuable experience. Before the show started, a joker facilitated a mood setting session and get people to relax with some games. The performance by the 3 main characters, husband, wife and a daughter, had some in tears.

Here is a transcript of the conversation between the Joker and the audience:

“Joker: Undoubtedly, this family needs our help. We can change their lives with our solution so that they
do not experience any violence. Which character was the oppressor?
Some Participants: father, father. He was a very cruel man!
Joker: Who were oppressed?
Some participants: Mother and daughter were oppressed. Male violence against women!
Joker: How can we help a family subjected to violence?
Participant 1: The mother and daughter had also rude behavior. There is psychological pressure
on everyone, but Nobody should increase the psychological pressure on each other with harsh words“

The Joker then invited the Participant 1 to come on stage and act out one of female character, to see if the ‘husband’ acts differently to her approach. Unfortunately, her approach didn’t work. The husband was still aggressive in his manner. Another participant who did not agree with her approach, suggested another way to prevent the domestic violence. The conversation continued until everyone is exhausted of any other solutions. The entire session takes about 1.5 hour only. Some participants requested for similar session to be held regularly, as a form of therapy, being cooped up in the house and facing so much stress.

The theme is the same, ‘domestic violence during the pandemic’ but the content of the discourse varies by community. The session was organized with Somali, Yemeni, Pakistani and Rohingya communities. Some transcripts from the Forum Theater sessions (each para is of different community):

“Joker: what about what you want for yourself? You are human you have needs and rights?
Audience 1: if my husband is happy and my children are happy that is more than enough for me. My husband is more important than my own happiness
Audience 2: obviously no human can have that life of being abused and harassed if you keep putting others first you will eventually have some mental ill problems and you might even do something to your own life and to prevent that is for me to find a solution and that is me and my Children to leave the husband and seek refugee.“

“Joker: okay but what about the way father was taking to his family. Don't you think that was rude. You are talking about women being rude and justifying men (your gender) but what about the opposite. Do you think he should behave like this with them?
Community Member 1: Both of their behavior is wrong and both should talk to each other appropriately.
Community Member 2: In the situation where women is beaten and evicted from the house. What do you think happens. What should be done. Don't you think when violence is done on women they should be given support and shelter. The reason of the workshop is not to blame men, but to talk about solutions of how we can support women in these oppressed circumstances“

Parastoo has compiled some short term and long term solutions. The voice of these 5 community will be shared with the relevant organizations working on the domestic violence issue.

If not the solution, at least the methodology should be adopted for many other issues affecting the vulnerable or oppressed community. It really sparks conversation in various form, simple nodding, face expression, hand gestures, murmuring, speaking loud or acting out. It all counts in Forum Theatre, a tool for the voiceless.

Thank you