On the ground: Mas Ermieyati (centre) speaking at a press conference on the procurement of the FWCMS by the Home Ministry at the Parliament House. — Bernama
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.
PAC chairman Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsuddin said the proceedings will begin on Dec 10.
She said the decision was reached during a special discussion held on Wednesday following concerns over 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 told a press conference at the Parliament lobby.
The PAC will summon the FWCMS Steering Committee chaired by Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, along with its three members.
The others who will be called in include 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 seeking justification from the Steering Committee on the government’s decision to sign the contract with Bestinet.
She said the PAC’s concerns stemmed from follow-up proceedings 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 FWCMS, she added.
During the Nov 6 session, she said Treasury deputy secretary- general (management) Ramzi Mansor, Awang Alik and Azman gave their input.
“Their feedback was assessed alongside the PAC’s recommendations,” she added.
Mas Ermieyati said the public could 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.
“The PAC remains committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in government procurement, particularly when public funds and stakeholder interests are involved,” she added.
