ONE of the greatest defects of capitalism is the issue of “crisis and boom”.

During boom times, the capitalist makes huge profits, takes back huge bonuses, and gives high dividends to shareholders.

During crises and recessions, the bigger capitalist buys over smaller ones, downsizes operations, retrenches workers and lobbies for government intervention to bail them out.

That is not the only thing they do; they will look for the fall guy, whom they need to divert people’s attention from the real crisis and culprits.

During crises and recession, they need issues for people to focus on, they need new enemies, and they need fall guys.

Today, we have a pandemic that has caused a global recession. There have been reports on the rise in xenophobia and racism-related issues all over the world. This is not new, and quite habitual. Prejudices have been recorded throughout history, like the Jewish persecution during the “Black Death”, linking HIV to LGBTQ communities during AIDS’ deadly march and blaming West Africans for the Ebola outbreak. Now, it’s the “Chinese virus”, as described by US President Donald Trump.

So, who are the fall guys in this coronavirus-triggered economic crisis? Definitely the immigrants.

Trump on April 20 tweeted: “In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States.” So basically, the fight will be between us and them; citizens v non-citizens.

In Malaysia, who else can be the fall guys? Who can we retrench first? They’re the migrants from Bangladesh, Nepal and Indonesia, as well as refugees, such as the Rohingya from Myanmar.

Lately, we’ve seen anger and frustration levelled at migrants living near the Selayang wholesale market, as well as Rohingya refugees. MIC president S.A. Vigneswaran lashed out, saying migrants have invaded the market. He blamed those from Myanmar for causing RM1 billion in losses to the food industry. He warned the government that if it doesn’t take care of the situation, it will be like a cancer spreading.

He also said the war against Covid-19 will be lost because of migrants not following our laws. His comments have been supported by many.

If one were to ask him about Indian workers at restaurants and barbershops, he may likely take a different position.

Many political parties and right-wing civil groups have taken the opportunity to attack migrants and refugees because they are easy targets. They have no homes, and most importantly, they don’t bring in the votes.

Over the last year, I attended two town halls on migrant workers – one organised by the Human Resources and Primary Industry Ministries, and the other by the Independent Committee on Foreign Workers headed by Hishamuddin Yunus. The panel was set up by the Pakatan Harapan cabinet to streamline policies relating to the management of foreign workers.

At both meetings, 80% of the attendees were employers. They lobbied hard for the government to bring in more migrant workers. They argued that Malaysian workers are lazy and choosy. Even Dr Mahathir Mohamad has said this.

During such meets, minority folk like me advocate for transparent policies on dealing with migrants, no “cheap labour” policy, and decent facilities, such as liveable hostels, for foreign workers. Our views are very unpopular, and we are always challenged to provide workers.

Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) and the Migrant Workers’ Right to Redress Coalition (MWR2R) have come up with comprehensive proposals on dealing with migrants. These proposals received consensus from both workers and employers.

What’s sad is that the independent committee’s report on the issue was not made public. It is our contention this is so because it goes against the interests of the government and big businesses. Migrant labour is big business. If you don’t believe me, ask Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Today, Malaysians are alarmed by what’s happening in Singapore. The republic has recorded 13,624 Covid-19 cases, making it the worst-hit country in Southeast Asia. It has been reported that four of five cases there were traced to migrant workers’ dormitories.

We always look to rich Singapore as a model to follow. But the pandemic has revealed the level of exploitation and poor living conditions of migrants there, with more than 300,000 living in cramped dorms.

Now, we fear those returning from Singapore and Indonesia. So, we continue to find scapegoats rather than look for a fundamental, substantial and humane solution. World media, which is controlled by giant conglomerates, continues to promote racism, xenophobia and unscientific arguments, to push its business-profit agenda.

In the business of looking for the fall guy, we all end up losing. Only through building solidarity among people of various religions and backgrounds can we overcome this crisis.

In such times, socialist ideas, like healthcare, food security, housing and living in harmony with migrants, have become beacons of hope for the people of the world. It is time we rebuild the world for people’s needs, not corporate greed. – April 27, 2020.

* S. Arutchelvan is deputy chairman of PSM.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.