M’sia uses foreign funds to train Myanmar refugees: Saifuddin

KUANTAN – The government is using foreign funds to cover the cost of skills training that will be given to Myanmar refugees, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah.

He said that the government will not use public funds in an effort to help the refugees obtain skills in this country.

According to him, the country has so far not been able to absorb Myanmar refugees in the employment sector because they do not have the required skills.

“Right now, we have a shortage of foreign labour. Many restaurants, factories, and the construction sector are experiencing labour shortages, but perhaps employers are not willing to take them (refugees) because they don’t have basic skills.

“Thus, we are planning to implement a skills training programme for certain people who want to work, but without using public funds. We are thinking how the funds can be obtained… As foreign minister I have also lobbied for funds from other countries and international donors,” he said.

Saifuddin said this at a press conference after the Young Voters Determine the Future of the Nation Forum here in conjunction with the Indera Mahkota parliamentary Youth Day 2022 today, which was also attended by the Malaysian Youth Council president Izzat Afifi Abdul Hamid.

The Indera Mahkota MP said that thus far, Qatar has contributed by channelling US$50 million (RM222.23 million) , of which US$6 million has been spent on refugee health matters.

“I mention this so that Malaysians don’t get upset when the foreign minister talks about refugees in Malaysia and the need to provide them with opportunities for work and education.

“We have never used the public’s money. All of this is done from external funds, using contributions from foreign countries,” he said.

Meanwhile, Saifuddin, who is also the chairman of Pahang Perikatan Nasional (PN), said when asked about the distribution of seats for the 15th general election in the state that initial discussions with coalition members have agreed to defend the seats won by their respective parties.

“Bersatu will contest in one parliamentary seat it won, while PAS will contest eight state seats. Bersatu and Gerakan will not ask for the seats won by PAS. We will look at the focus seats and who is most suitable to contest.

“However, we are still looking at the appropriate formula, and the decision will be finalised at the PN supreme council level,” he said. – Bernama, August 14, 2022