KUALA LUMPUR: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has unanimously decided to initiate proceedings on the procurement of the Foreign Workers Centralised Management System (FWCMS) by the Home Ministry, says Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsuddin.
The PAC chairman said the proceedings will begin on Dec 10.
“The decision was reached during a special discussion held yesterday (Nov 20) following concerns raised about the contract signed in September between the government and Bestinet Sdn Bhd.
“The PAC views the agreement as imprudent due to the high fees associated with the system, which could place a significant financial burden on employers and foreign workers,” she said during a press conference in Parliament on Thursday (Nov 21).
According to her, the PAC will summon the FWCMS Steering Committee, chaired by Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, along with its three members, including Attorney General Datuk Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar, Treasury secretary-general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican, Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Awang Alik Jeman, Human Resources Ministry secretary-general Datuk Azman Mohd Yusof, and National Digital Department director-general Dr Fazidah Abu Bakar.
Mas Ermieyati emphasised the importance of obtaining justifications from the Steering Committee regarding the government’s decision to sign the contract with Bestinet Sdn Bhd.
She said the PAC’s concerns stem from a follow-up proceeding held on Nov 6 with the Finance, Home and Human Resources Ministries.
The session reviewed the government’s response to five recommendations previously outlined in the PAC’s report on the management of foreign workers under the Integrated Foreign Workers Management System (ePPAx) and the FWCMS, she added.
“The report was tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on July 3, 2024.”
During the Nov 6 session, she said witnesses included Treasury deputy secretary-general (management) Ramzi Mansor, Datuk Awang Alik Jeman, and Datuk Azman Mohd Yusof.
“Their feedback was assessed alongside the PAC’s recommendations.”
Mas Ermieyati urged the public to access the PAC’s follow-up report on the Human Resources and Home Ministries via the PAC website at www.parlimen.gov.my/pac for a comprehensive understanding of the issues raised.
“PAC remains committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in government procurements, particularly when public funds and stakeholder interests are involved,” she added.
