AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH MINISTER FOR HUMAN RESOURCES

UNCLAS KUALA LUMPUR 000653 SENSITIVE SIPDIS FOR EAP/MTS, EAP/RSP, AND G/TIP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ELAB PHUM PGOV AMGT MY SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH MINISTER FOR HUMAN RESOURCES REF: KUALA LUMPUR 614 - PARLIAMENT A "WAR ZONE" ¶1. (SBU) Ambassador Keith made an introductory call on Minister for Human Resources S. Subramaniam on July 14. (Note: Minister Subramaniam remained willing to meet the Ambassador at Parliament on a day when it was closed to the public and under tight security (reftel) due to domestic political turmoil. We believe this reflects a genuine desire to engage the United States on important issues involving the ministry. End note.) The minister discussed general economic topics, but focused mostly on labor concerns. Matters related to legal and illegal foreign workers appeared to be of greatest concern to Minister Subramaniam. Ambassador Keith discussed trafficking in person (TIP) for labor exploitation and told Minister Subramaniam we wished to work with his Ministry on the issue. Minister Subramaniam welcomed further cooperation with the Embassy in general and not just on TIP. He also expressed willingness to work with the American Chamber of Commerce on labor issues. ¶2. (U) Ambassador Keith also took the opportunity to raise U.S. Embassy spousal employment, in both the private and public sector, with the minister. Minister Subramaniam stated he would "take the matter seriously." KEITH