ID :
221750
Wed, 01/04/2012 - 13:43
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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Transformation Programme, and Political Transformation Programme through the abolition of as well as amendments to outdated security laws.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

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