My last column developed a hypothesis about who should be responsible and accountable for public works, in particular, public service programme failures, of either the enforcement of rules or simply ensuring compliance with existing rules.

The alternative is our currently operative “close one eye” culture.

While I did compare Malaysian stories to ones from the United States and the United Kingdom, I focused only on two Malaysian agencies, namely the police and our system of local governance. In this column, I will address what I think is yet another hot issue.

In this column, I continue my demand for accountability with a focus on the so-called “illegal immigrant problem,” since that seems to be the current highlight of the Umno deputy president. I do have concerns with the current analysis of the problem and law enforcement, at least based on the two-page theory and explanations developed by the Sunday Mail and their investigative journalists.

What is the root problem?

Our public policy problem, at least as stated and articulated by the reported immigration officials, as highlighted was, “Heartless Bosses!” The Sunday Mail front-paged and headlined this thesis in dual colours.

Under the current policy of Home Affairs and the null hypothesis of these public officials, if the employee did not renew the work permit and secure an E-card, it is primarily because the employers did not take the deadline seriously in spite of the four months’ due notice. Therefore, the employers will be punished seriously for “their now-illegal employees.”

Alternatively, the employees are the real guilty parties if they claim ignorance because the same officials had already written to all relevant embassies and informed them of this absolute and unmovable deadline. That is an alternate hypothesis...