Defying the Whip in the Land of Hope
Malaysia is once again being severe as regards ridding its territories of illegal workers. But economic pressures are more severe where the workers come from.
August 10, 2004
DAWN had just broken in Entikong, West Kalimantan. One hour later it was already light. It was quiet, apart from the sound of two minibuses creeping towards the border post between Malaysia and Indonesia.
Having departed from Pontianak—about 300 kilometers from the border, seven hours previously—each of the minibuses was carrying around 40 passengers: men and women aged between 20 and 30. Their hair appeared tangled and their face
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