Abrupt transfer of labour DG comes as shock to staff

 

Asri Ab Rahman (left) and Khair Razman Annuar are believed to have been assigned to a government pool to await new postings.

KUALA LUMPUR: The abrupt removal of Asri Ab Rahman as the director-general of labour has shocked many officers who say he had been sincere in trying to help hundreds of Bangladeshi workers recently, according to an inside source.

The source confirmed to FMT that the transfer orders were issued yesterday to Asri and another officer, Khair Razman Annuar, deputy secretary-general of operations at the human resources ministry.

The orders took effect today. Asri has been asked to report to the Chief Secretary to the Government’s pool while Razman to the public services department (JPA) pool.

A retired senior servant said government servants are sent into the pool while awaiting a suitable posting. JPA has previously denied allegations that officers were sent to the pool on disciplinary grounds or for falling out of favour.

Asri’s transfer “came as a shock to many,” said the labour source. The source said the former director-general “had been working hard recently to help the migrant workers who arrived legally with proper permits but ended up jobless”.

“Many of us feel that he is a victim of circumstances. Apparently he is disappointed but will not appeal as he feels it is a losing battle under the circumstances.”

According to Malaysiakini, the swift action came at the direction of the ministry’s secretary-general Zaini Ujang, who assumed his position in April amid a growing glut of foreign workers stranded in the country without work.

The report also said it is understood that there has been an internal investigation into foreign labour quota approvals.

Reports have emerged from hundreds of Bangladeshi and Nepalese workers in Malaysia who claimed that recruitment agents enticed them with promises of job opportunities in exchange for exorbitant fees but did not keep their promises.

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It said Zaini’s internal investigation has unveiled a number of lower-ranking staff members who did the bidding of higher-ups, and they had come forward to name those who had given the orders.

Among the issues that prompted the investigation was the lack of due diligence in the foreign worker quota approval process.

“The scrutiny into the approval process was prompted by concerns about the treatment of Bangladeshi and Nepalese workers, who have faced unemployment since their arrival in Malaysia,” the report said.

Yesterday, FMT reported that at least 120 Bangladeshi workers who have been stranded without jobs since their arrival four months ago have been absorbed by a new firm with their wages paid.

Earlier this month, human resources minister V Sivakumar confirmed that five of his staff members had been sacked to ensure the ministry functions effectively and smoothly.

Last month, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission arrested three of his aides in connection with an investigation into the recruitment of foreign workers.

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Sivakumar also gave his statement to MACC on April 16. - FMT