Kuala lumpur: 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 made these comments 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Aizuddin emphasized that national policy should not be driven by emotion and rhetoric but must focus on facts, current economic needs, and the well-being of all parties. He noted that the extension of the FWCMS contract until 2031 was approved on June 24, 2024, under the Ministry of Home Affairs' purview, while both MPs were still Cabinet members. Aizuddin questioned why the issue was only raised after their departure from the Cabinet.
He further expressed skepticism about the timing of the concerns, asking why serious weaknesses were not addressed when the MPs were involved in decision-making. Aizuddin pointed out that the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) had raised issues regarding FWCMS's implementation and its potential overlap with the National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe), yet these concerns were not contested during previous internal processes.
Aizuddin described the change in stance after leaving the Cabinet as inconsistent and potentially misleading to the public. He reiterated the government's commitment to its long-term agenda, which includes reducing reliance on foreign workers under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13). He highlighted the importance of addressing current industrial needs, particularly concerning foreign workers trapped in debt bondage and the demand for a transparent and efficient recruitment system from business sectors.
Aizuddin clarified that the TURAP proposal remains at the evaluation stage, with no final decisions or appointments made. He assured that all considerations are being conducted meticulously, prioritizing national interests, transparency, and long-term effectiveness.