Page 17 - BPAReport

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Appointment of the Independent Committee

1. The Independent Committee was set up by a decision of the Cabinet, upon the
initiative of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Human Resources, and charged
with the task of proposing comprehensive policy changes to more effectively manage in a
holistic manner the deployment of foreign workers to support economic activities in Malaysia.
The Independent Committee is composed of competent and knowledgeable senior officials
with a wide range of experience and involvement in foreign workers matters to address the
challenges and shortcomings afflicting the administration of effective and responsive policies.
The management of foreign workers have long been contentious stemming largely from the
lack of clarity in policy implementation aggravated by the multi layers of associated
procedures and processes that have contributed to increasing cost. Violations of national
employment laws and international norms have also damaged the reputation of the country. It
is therefore opportune for the Government to receive independent advice to revamp the entire
foreign workers ecosystem.

2. The members of the Independent Committee are:
a. Dato’ Seri Mohd Hishamuddin bin Md Yunus – Chairman
b. Dato’ Noor Farida Binti Ariffin – Deputy Chairman
c. Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sukarti bin Wakiman – member
d. Dato’ Sri M Ramachelvam – member
e. Datu Haji Salleh Sulaiman – member
f. Dr. Azizah Binti Kassim – member
g. Mr. Selvaraja a/l Chinniah – member
h. Mr. Jerald Joseph – member
i. Mdm. Jenny Ooi – member
j. Dr. Vimaleswari K. Ramasamy – member
k. Mr. Alex Ong Kiang Yen – member
l. Mr. Wan Zulkfli Wan Setapa – Secretary

3. The Independent Committee was free to carry out its task and to make its
recommendations without interference from any quarter. This Report of the Independent
Committee takes into account the views and proposals from a wide range of stakeholders
including employers, employees, politicians, government regulators, international agencies,
academics, trade unions, civil society organizations, community groups and the general
public.

Activities of the Independent Committee

4. The Independent Committee held its inaugural meeting on 5 October 2018.
Thereafter the Committee held a series of town hall meetings in the month of October. This
was followed by focus group meetings with selected stakeholders in the remaining period of
October and into November, 2018.

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