Criticism of the foreign worker management system by two former ministers is labelled as political posturing and inconsistent with their past Cabinet roles.
PETALING JAYA: Criticisms leveled by two Members of Parliament against the Foreign Workers Centralised Management System (FWCMS) have raised concerns over political consistency, especially as both individuals were members of the Cabinet when the system’s contract extension was authorised.
Political secretary to the Human Resources Minister, Aizuddin Abd Gaffal, pointed out that the extension of the FWCMS contract until 2031 was approved on June 24 2024.
This decision was made under the Home Ministry’s purview while Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad were serving as Cabinet ministers.
In a statement issued today, Aizuddin questioned why the MPs did not raise their concerns during the decision-making process if the system suffered from the “serious weaknesses” they now allege.
“As members of the Cabinet at that time, they had access to all relevant information and shared collective responsibility for the decisions made. This is not merely a matter of differing opinions; it is a question of consistency and political integrity,” he said.
Aizuddin further added that although the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) had previously highlighted potential overlaps between the FWCMS and the National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe), there were no recorded objections from the two MPs during their tenure in the Cabinet.
The political secretary warned that vocalising opposition only after leaving office risks confusing the public and appears to be politically motivated.
He described the sudden shift in stance as a “new level of political posturing” and a display of “political hypocrisy.”
“Remaining silent while in power and becoming vocal only after relinquishing responsibility raises serious questions about sincerity. To suggest that these issues have only recently surfaced is an irresponsible attempt to mislead the public,” he said.
Aizuddin stressed that government policy must remain grounded in the practical realities of industry, particularly regarding worker welfare and the need for a transparent, cost-effective recruitment process.
He questioned whether critics were prepared to ignore the plight of foreign workers trapped in debt bondage and warned against “tone-deaf” policies that are disconnected from the needs of the manufacturing and plantation sectors.
He criticised the MPs for failing to distinguish between the FWCMS and NIISe, explaining that the two platforms serve distinct functions at different stages of the immigration and recruitment process.
Regarding a proposed new recruitment framework, Aizuddin clarified that the matter remains under review.
He assured the public that no final decisions, appointments, or commitments have been made to any third party.
He added that an end should be urged to the creation of unfounded, negative perceptions for personal gain, noting that major industry bodies, such as the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers and the Malaysian Employers Federation, continue to advocate for system improvements based on economic facts rather than rhetoric.