KUALA LUMPUR: Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot (pix) has denied making any statement in the Dewan Rakyat that "40% of foreign workers in Malaysia are undocumented".
"You can quote me on this. For every 10 legal workers, there are seven illegal workers...that's all...I had never mentioned any other figures except that figure.
"I stick to that..this should be in the hansard (in Dewan Rakyat) and you can check it..some reporters love to spin," he told Bernama after the opening session of the Emerging Leaders Dialogues' Asia 2016 at the British International School here Thursday.
He was responding to reports that Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi would ask Riot for his explanation on the matter claimed to have been uttered by him in the Dewan Rakyat two days ago.
Riot was quoted as saying that an estimated 40% of foreign labour workforce in Malaysia was undocumented, hampering the Government's efforts to reduce dependence on foreign workers by 2020.
When asked whether he would meet Dr Ahmad Zahid to clear the air, Riot said "well he is my boss, I will definitely meet him...soon? We will see."
Earlier, in his speech, Riot said the dialogue would be a good platform to address issues of reskilling leaders on various leadership roles in times of changing economy.
"Malaysia is an upcoming emerging economy in Asia and it is timely such dialogues of this scale is held in this country,” he said. – Bernama
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