Charles Santiago Supports MEF’s Push to Employ Refugees in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, June 23, 2025 – Former MP Charles Santiago has backed the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF)’s proposal to integrate over 185,000 working-age refugees and asylum seekers into Malaysia’s formal workforce. In an X post, Santiago hailed it as a “major value gain,” citing the economic potential of skilled refugees, including PhD holders and engineers, with firms willing to train them.

MEF President Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman emphasized that this could boost economic growth, reduce exploitation, and address labor shortages. The initiative awaits government approval to unlock refugees’ contributions and enhance labor compliance.

MEF

Meanwhile, in another tweet, the former MP said: “I fully support@JohariGhani’s proposal to prioritize local TVET graduates over migrant workers, and the Cabinet must act decisively on this. GLCs and their vendors should be mandated to hire TVET graduates with a minimum wage of RM3,000, backed by an all-government effort. Ministries should create direct pathways from training to jobs to reduce migrant dependency, enhance skills, and make TVET a promising career choice for youth.”

This is a critical moment for government leadership. The Plantation and Commodities Ministry’s mandate to require proof of hiring TVET graduates before allowing foreign workers is a strong step forward.

The comments aligns with Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani’s directive, announced on June 22 during the Dialog@MPIC session, mandating that plantation industry players hire TVET graduates before recruiting foreign workers. Johari highlighted the reluctance of industries to employ trained local youth, preferring foreign labor due to convenience, despite government approval for migrant workers in the sector. He emphasized that proof of hiring efforts must be provided, reflecting a commitment to local talent. The proposed RM3,000 minimum wage and government-wide pathways aim to address these challenges, reduce reliance on foreign labor, and elevate TVET’s appeal, as urged in the comment.

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