Public Accounts Committee to Summon Officials Over Foreign Workers’ Centralised Management System Contract
Summoning of Officials
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has announced that it will summon several high-ranking officials to explain the government’s decision to sign a contract with Bestinet for the foreign workers’ centralised management system (FWCMS) in September.
Contract Issues
Among those summoned are Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar, who sits on the central committee board of FWCMS, and other committee members, including treasury secretary-general Johan Mahmood Merican, home ministry secretary-general Awang Jeman, as well as the committee’s chairman, the Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
PAC Chairman’s Statement
PAC chairman Mas Ermieyati Samsudin stated that the committee views the contract signed with Bestinet as somewhat incautious, citing the exorbitant charges imposed under the contract.
"The exorbitant charges that were imposed would burden both the employer and foreign workers," she said.
Background on Contract
Bestinet had previously had a six-year contract with the home ministry to develop, supply, provide and maintain the FWCMS, which ended on May 31, 2024. In June, Putrajaya confirmed the extension of Bestinet’s contract to provide IT systems for the recruitment of foreign workers.
Controversy Surrounding Contract
The 2022 Auditor-General’s Report, released last year, revealed that there were no signed agreements between the government and Bestinet, leaving Putrajaya’s rights unclear. This has led to questions about the transparency and fairness of the contract.
Bestinet Founder Denies Misconduct
Bestinet founder Aminul Islam has rejected suggestions of misconduct after it was reported that Bangladeshi police were seeking his extradition in relation to a probe linked to migrant worker recruitment.
Conclusion
The summoning of officials by the Public Accounts Committee marks an important step in the investigation into the foreign workers’ centralised management system contract. The committee’s review aims to ensure that the contract is fair, transparent, and beneficial to all parties involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who will be summoned by the Public Accounts Committee to explain the government’s decision to sign a contract with Bestinet?
A: Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar, treasury secretary-general Johan Mahmood Merican, home ministry secretary-general Awang Jeman, and the committee’s chairman, the Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
Q: Why did the Public Accounts Committee view the contract as incautious?
A: The committee stated that the exorbitant charges imposed under the contract would burden both the employer and foreign workers.
Q: What is the status of Bestinet’s contract with the government?
A: Bestinet’s six-year contract with the home ministry ended on May 31, 2024, and was extended by the government in June.