ID :
221750
Wed, 01/04/2012 - 13:43
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/221750
The shortlink copeid
Malaysians Can Benefit Further In 2012 From Transformation Programmes
KOTA MARUDU (Malaysia), Jan 4 (Bernama) -- Malaysians can look forward to
2012 to benefit further from the government’s transformation programmes that are
set to produce more results in achieving its goal to develop the nation in every
aspect.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Dr Maximus Ongkili
said 2011 was a good year for Malaysia as the government’s transformation
programmes began to yield results for all segments of society.
He said the transformation programmes comprised the Government
Transformation Programme, Economic Transformation Programme, Rural
Transformation Programme, Digital Transformation Programme, and Political
Transformation Programme through the abolition of as well as amendments to
outdated security laws.
"Results are in the form of increased foreign and domestic investments,
higher employment, improved national income and better international rating for
business competiveness.
"These are proof that the transformation mission of the prime minister is
already benefiting the nation and the people," he said at a gathering with Kota
Marudu divisional leaders to usher in the New Year, here, Wednesday.
Ongkili said one of the challenges the country would continue to face was
the threat of continued influx of illegal immigrants as a result of poorly
managed foreign labour force.
"This is a real and serious problem affecting our economic, social and
political rights."
This concern could also be seen from the numerous allegations of
foreigners having citizenship and this issue surfaced in nearly all the public
hearings conducted by the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) for Electoral
Reforms, said Ongkili who chairs the committee.
Hence, he said, Malaysia needed a tighter foreign labour policy, a more
transparent approach to granting work passes, disciplined monitoring and
surveillance, and firm action against illegals in the country.
"The current action programmes are not yielding the desired results.
Further, the allegations of foreigners having obtained citizenship papers and
registered as voters persist.
"Hence, the proposal by United Sabah Party (Parti Bersatu Sabah - PBS),
other National Front (Barisan Nasional-BN) component parties and the PSC to set
up a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) on this issue should be seriously
considered by the federal government.
"This is the only long-term solution to the illegal immigrant problem,
especially in Sabah. Of course, the RCI should not just investigate the past but
must also deal with the present problem and specify clear action plans for the
future," he said.
Barisan Nasional is a major political coalition in Malaysia, formed in 1973
and has been Malaysia's federal ruling political force since independence. The
coalition's headquarters is located in the nation's capital, Kuala Lumpur.
-- BERNAMA