Ask your boss: Hamzah shrugs off envoy’s flak on domestic helper intake

KOTA KINABALU – Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said it is not his job to keep the Indonesian ambassador to Malaysia, Hermono, satisfied. 

Hamzah said he had discussed matters relating to the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the intake of domestic workers from Indonesia with his counterpart Tito Karnavian last month, and that there is no need for him to inform Hermono of the details of the discussion. 

“He (Hermono) is not satisfied? I was informed that the discussion (about the MoU) is between me and his minister (Tito Karanavian) and I, so the satisfaction (is only) between me and his minister. 

“If he is not aware (of the discussion), then he should ask his minister,” Hamzah said at a press conference after chairing the Sabah Migrant Management Committee meeting today.

Hamzah was commenting on Hermono’s reported unhappiness with Malaysia’s Immigration Department over its apparent absence from many key meetings with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuala Lumpur to finalise the MoU. 

Arrest of former Bangladeshi high commissioner in line with legal procedures: Hamzah

In another development, Hamzah confirmed the arrest of former Bangladeshi High Commissioner to Malaysia Mohamed Khairuzzaman yesterday, saying that he is aware of the matter. 

Although he did not reveal more information about the arrest, he said that everything was done in accordance with the law and proper procedures. 

“If there is a request from the country of origin, if it is proven to be true, then we will do it (make the arrest),” he said. 

Mere ‘psychological warfare’: Hamzah, on speculation involving Bersatu leaders re-entering Umno

Meanwhile, on rumours that two Bersatu members holding ministerial positions will rejoin Umno, Hamzah opined that this is merely a “psychological warfare” tactic pulled by a certain party. 

Hamzah, who is Bersatu secretary-general, stressed that rumours cannot be trusted unless the person announces leaving the party himself. 

“Psywar is used by people in politics to fight for their party. Why is it happening now? It is only to inform the people of Johor – don’t believe in this person because he will be returning to Umno. 

“So, if you ask if it is true, then my answer is that this is psychological warfare,” he said. –The Vibes, February 10, 2022