ABSTRACT
Among Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries, Malaysia recruits the largest number of intra-ASEAN workers. This chapter focuses on the dynamics surrounding workers' migration to Malaysia. Malaysia and other countries of ASEAN – particularly Indonesia – have a long history of worker migration, stretching back to the mid-nineteenth century. It explores the Malaysian perspective through an investigation of national policies and regulations that govern employment and the rights of workers and, therefore, influence the conditions of foreign workers in the Malaysian territory. The chapter aims to provide an explanation on the extent to which domestic dynamics within the Malaysian government reflect unsupportive discourses and identities regarding migrant workers' protection. In addition to unravelling the significant policy determinants within the Malaysian government's foreign policy decision-making, it focuses on key indicators for an ASEAN migrant worker protection policy, including regulations pertaining to workers' social and human rights protection.
