How do Nepali migrant workers based in Malaysia, as well as their families back home, view this important event? Drawing from conversations with six Nepali migrant workers as well as some stay-behind families (parents, wives, and teenage children), this article presents a slice of some of their observations and concerns.

A common concern

As shown below, elections have become a regular topic among Nepali migrant workers in Malaysia with their families back home.

“Most Nepali workers here (in Malaysia) follow closely the political situation back home including the elections. But, I feel frustrated because I am here and can’t do much. I can only watch the elections from afar,” a male migrant worker from the Lumbini province who has not voted for 10 years says.

Read more...