Indian 'mandors' not the real problem
The British planters used the 'mandor' system during the colonial period, in which Indian 'mandors' or supervisors were appointed to manage the labour affairs.
The 'mandors' might be South Indian Tamil, but they took instructions from the white managers in managing labour affairs in the plantations.
Unlike the Chinese 'kepala' who had the material interest of Chinese labour, the Indian 'mandors' functioned on behalf of the plantation bosses.
My book on plantation labour describes in detail why...
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
3 minutes ago
- The Star
Petronas' asset rationalisation ensures maximum resource use, says PM
KUALA LUMPUR: Petronas' strategic decision to rationalise its asset portfolio is driven by the need to optimise investments and adapt to global market uncertainties, says the Prime Minister. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this ensures that the company remains competitive and sustainable in the long term. He said that with Petronas being among the top ten in its field globally, the company must consider long-term perspectives in light of the uncertainties in the global oil and gas market. "Petronas is making calculated decisions to release older assets and reinvest in new ventures to ensure maximum resource utilisation. "Some assets are being sold to reinvest in new ventures, ensuring maximum utilisation of resources," he said during the Minister Question Time at Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Aug 14). Anwar said these decisions are made with commercial prudence, without political interference, to maintain Petronas' esteemed reputation. Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik (PH-Balik Pulau) has queried about Petronas' strategy amidst declining global oil demand and energy transition challenges. Anwar highlighted Petronas' ventures into alternative energy sources, such as solar and green hydrogen projects at Kenyir Lake. "These initiatives align with our low-carbon strategy and diversify our energy portfolio," he said. In an additional question, Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin) expressed concerns about the potential impact on employees due to Petronas' ongoing restructuring efforts. Anwar acknowledged that over 5,000 workers might be affected by these changes, but reassured that comprehensive support measures are in place to assist those affected. "We are ensuring that those affected receive training for new opportunities, with guarantees such as a year-long salary," he said. Anwar said Petronas is committed to minimising the impact on employees by collaborating with government-linked investment companies and providing avenues for reskilling and upskilling. Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Muda-Muar) then raised concerns regarding Petronas' strategy on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) imports and how it would maintain its profit portfolio. Anwar clarified that Petronas imports only what is necessary. "Our import strategy is aligned with maintaining a competitive and commercially viable portfolio. "Petronas balances imports and exports to maintain profitability," he said. He said Petronas continues to export LNG to major markets, ensuring that these projects remain commercially viable and beneficial. Anwar gave his assurance that any import requirements are balanced with the company's overall trade strategy and are intended to support both domestic needs and international trade relationships.
The Star
34 minutes ago
- The Star
PM Anwar says wait for MCMC probe findings before apologising over fuel subsidy claims
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says he will wait for the outcome of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) probe before deciding to apologise to Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin over the RON95 fuel subsidy issue. Anwar however, said the MCMC was still verifying all the sources related to the alleged claim that Muhyiddin (PN-Pagoh) had defended the rights of foreigners in the RON95 fuel subsidy targeting issue. "I have brought this matter to the attention of MCMC to gather all the explanations. "And I have no problem, if it is not verified, I have no problem. "We shall wait for the outcome of MCMC's investigation first," he told Datuk Rosol Wahid (PN-Hulu Terengganu) during the Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Aug 14). Rosol had asked whether the Prime Minister was prepared to amend laws related to fake news and apologise to Muhyiddin involving the claims he had defended foreigners in the RON95 fuel subsidy targeting scheme. Muhyiddin, who is also a former prime minister, denied via a social media post that he had ever made any statement suggesting he was defending the rights of foreigners in the RON95 subsidy targeting matter. MORE TO COME
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
Chinese investors eyeing Indonesia to avoid US tariffs, tap local market
JAKARTA: Gao Xiaoyu, the founder of an industrial land consulting firm in Jakarta, has been inundated with calls from Chinese companies eager to expand or set up operations in Indonesia as they try to shield themselves from the US's hefty import tariffs. The 19 per cent US tariff rate for goods from Indonesia is the same as for Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand, and just below Vietnam's 20 per cent. China's rates currently exceed 30 per cent. But Indonesia, Southeast Asia's biggest economy and the world's fourth most populous country, has an edge over its neighbours – the potential of its vast consumer market. "We are quite busy these days. We have meetings from morning till night," said Gao, who set up her company PT Yard Zeal Indonesia in 2021 with four employees and now has more than 40. "The industrial parks are also very busy." Indonesia's economy expanded at a better-than-expected 5.12 per cent in the second quarter, the fastest pace in two years, government data showed last week. "If you can establish a strong business presence in Indonesia, you've essentially captured half of the Southeast Asian market," said Zhang Chao, a Chinese manufacturer who sells motorcycle headlights in Indonesia, the world's third-biggest market for motorbikes. Vietnam and Thailand were among the major beneficiaries of the first wave of Chinese companies' overseas diversification, but amid the latest trade turmoil with the US, other near neighbours are benefiting. "There has always been a synergy with Chinese corporates having the confidence to set up shop with ease in Indonesia," said Mira Arifin, the Indonesia country head at Bank of America. "Indonesia has a huge talent pool with a dynamic young demographic that encourages foreign investors to rapidly build scale in the country." Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has championed China ties, visiting Beijing in November where he held talks with President Xi Jinping and welcoming Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Jakarta in May. Investment from China and Hong Kong into Indonesia was up 6.5 per cent year-on-year to $8.2 billion in the first six months of 2025. Total FDI grew 2.58 per cent over the same period to 432.6 trillion rupiah ($26.56 billion), and the government has said it expects more investments in the second half of the year. Massive consumer market To be sure, challenges persist across Indonesia, including regulatory hurdles, bureaucratic red tape, ownership restrictions, deficient infrastructure, and the lack of a complete industrial supply chain that made China the "workshop of the world" for decades. Some foreign investors have also raised concerns about the populist Prabowo's fiscal prudence, as he pushes ahead with his campaign promises, including a flagship programme to deliver free meals to schoolchildren and pregnant women. After falling in March to its lowest level against the US dollar since June 1998, the rupiah has steadied. It is currently trading about 1 per cent below its level at the end of last year. At the sprawling, more than 2,700-hectare (6,672-acre) Subang Smartpolitan industrial park in West Java, executives said it had been inundated with enquiries from Chinese investors. "Our phone, email and WeChat were immediately busy with new customers, agents wanting to introduce clients," once the US-Indonesia trade deal was announced last month, said Abednego Purnomo, vice-president for sales, marketing, and tenant relations of Suryacipta Swadaya, Subang Smartpolitan's operator. "Coincidentally, all of them were from China." Companies ranging from toy makers and textile firms to electric vehicle makers are scouring for facilities, particularly in West Java, the most populous province in Indonesia, which is home to the Patimban deep-sea port. Chinese demand has pushed up prices of industrial real estate and warehouses by 15 per cent to 25 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, the fastest rise in 20 years, according to Gao, from the land consulting firm. Rivan Munansa, the head of industrial and logistics services at the Indonesian arm of global property consultant Colliers International, said that there was an urgency among Chinese firms to move and the company was getting inquiries for industrial land "almost every day" in the run-up to the tariff agreement. "Most of them (Chinese companies) are looking for immediate opportunities. So, they want land and a temporary building that can be used immediately; it's like a crash programme," Rivan said. Zhang said he signed up for a new four-floor office building in Jakarta in May at an annual rent of 100,000 yuan ($13,936), up 43 per cent from last year, underscoring the pent-up demand. "The 19 per cent level is lower than my expectation. I thought it would be 30 per cent," Zhang said, referring to Indonesia's tariff deal and adding that net profit margins in China could be as little as 3 per cent. "In Indonesia, it's relatively easy to achieve net profit margins of 20 per cent to 30 per cent." And then there's the growing pool of consumers, with household spending making up more than half of Indonesia's GDP. The gauge accelerated slightly to 4.97 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter, helped by several public holidays. "Indonesia has always stood out for a different reason. Beyond supply chain diversification, Indonesia offers what few others in the region can: a massive domestic market," said Marco Foster, ASEAN director at Dezan Shira & Associates, an investment consultancy.
