KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Bernama) -- Statements regarding the Foreign Workers Centralised Management System (FWCMS) and the proposed new recruitment system, Universal Recruitment Advanced Platform (TURAP), must be based on facts rather than political narratives, said Political Secretary to the Human Resources Minister, Aizuddin Abd Gaffar.
He said this in response to remarks by Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who raised concerns over the implementation of FWCMS and the TURAP proposal, which is currently under review.
“National policy cannot be driven by mere emotion and rhetoric, instead, it must be centred on facts, current economic needs, and the well-being of all parties,” he said in a statement today.
He added that the extension of the FWCMS contract until 2031 was approved on June 24, 2024, under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs, while both MPs were still Cabinet members.
He questioned why the two MPs only raised the issue after they were no longer in the Cabinet.
“If there truly were such serious weaknesses as alleged today, why were those voices not heard when they were at the decision-making table? Why are various issues only being highlighted now?” he asked.
Aizuddin said that while the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) had raised several issues regarding the implementation of FWCMS and its potential overlap with the National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe), these matters were not contested during the previous internal processes.
He described the shift in stance after leaving the Cabinet as inconsistent and misleading to the public.
Aizuddin added that the government remains committed to its long-term agenda, which includes the gradual reduction of reliance on foreign workers under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13).
He said the current industrial needs cannot be ignored, particularly regarding foreign workers trapped in debt bondage during job searches, and the demand from business sectors for a more transparent and efficient recruitment system.
Aizuddin also clarified that the TURAP proposal is still at the evaluation stage, and no final decisions or appointments have been made.
“All considerations are being carried out meticulously, taking into account national interests, transparency, and long-term effectiveness,” he added.
-- BERNAMA
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