KUALA LUMPUR (April 21): Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R Ramanan’s political secretary, Aizuddin Abd Gaffal, has criticised a group of PKR members of Parliament (MPs) for questioning a proposed foreign worker recruitment system linked to Bestinet Sdn Bhd.
He called the MPs’ statement, led by former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, as irresponsible and misleading, saying they do not understand the system and are ignoring ground realities. He also alleged that Rafizi and another MP, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who was formerly minister of natural resources and environmental sustainability, had previously supported the extension of the current system they are now criticising.
Aizuddin said the extension of the Foreign Workers Centralised Management System (FWCMS) contract run by Bestinet Sdn Bhd until 2031 was made on June 24, 2024 under the responsibility of the Ministry of Home Affairs, and it was approved while both MPs served as Cabinet members.
“If there were truly such serious weaknesses as claimed today, why were those concerns not raised when they were at the decision-making table? Why are these issues only being brought up now?
This is not about differences in opinion, but about consistency and honesty in politics,” he said.
Aizuddin explained that the FWCMS and the upcoming National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe) each have different functions and roles at different stages of implementation. He did not elaborate on the differences.
“I am also very surprised that Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Ahmad are questioning something they clearly do not understand themselves. Their statements not only confuse the public but also embarrass the other seven MPs who are with them, as they fail to distinguish between basic matters related to foreign worker recruitment systems, FWCMS, and NIISe, which each have different functions and roles at different stages of implementation,” he added.
Parts of Malaysia’s foreign worker recruitment process are overseen by the FWCMS, developed and managed by Bestinet, founded by controversial tycoon Datuk Seri Aminul Islam.
NIISe, expected to be operational by 2028, is meant to replace the current Malaysian Immigration System (myIMMs). It covers foreign-worker management, on top of expatriate management, immigration control, as well as passports and travel passes.
Aizuddin stressed however that the proposed new foreign worker recruitment system is still at the evaluation stage.
“There is no final decision, no appointment, and no commitment made to any party. All considerations are being carried out carefully, taking into account national interests, transparency, and long-term effectiveness,” he said
He said the government remains committed to reducing reliance on foreign workers over time, but said current industry needs cannot be ignored, including concerns about worker exploitation and demands from major business groups for a fairer and more efficient system.
On Monday, a group of 10 PKR MPs led by Rafizi issued a statement that a proposed new foreign worker recruitment system linked to Bestinet could worsen governance issues and extend private control over the system, especially as Bestinet already manages the FWCMS. They cited oversight findings, including a Public Accounts Committee report that found FWCMS operated for years without a formal contract and had serious control weaknesses, as well as an Auditor-General’s Report describing its management as “unsatisfactory”.
They also questioned why a new system is needed while the government is developing the NIISe, and urged that any new system be awarded through open tender.