Govt using foreign funds to train Myanmar refugees, says Saifuddin

The government is using foreign funds to cover the cost of skills training to be given to Myanmar refugees, says Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah.

He said the government would not use public funds in efforts to help the refugees obtain skills in this country.

He added that the country has so far been unable to absorb Myanmar refugees in the employment sector as they do not have the required skills.

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

"Thus, we are planning a skills training programme for certain people who want to work, but not using public funds, so we are thinking about how the funds can be obtained... as foreign minister I also lobbied to get funds from other countries and international donors," he said at a press conference in Kuantan yesterday. 
 
Saifuddin, who is also Indera Mahkota MP, said Qatar was one of the countries that had contributed by channelling US$50 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 funds coming from outside using contributions from foreign countries," he said.

Meanwhile, Saifuddin, who is also the chairman of Perikatan Nasional (PN) in Pahang, when asked about the distribution of seats for the 15th general election (GE15) in the state, said the initial discussions with PN coalition members said they would defend the seats won by their respective parties.

"Bersatu will contest in the one parliamentary seat it won, and PAS in 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.