KUCHING: The Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) and Sarawak Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI) expressed their disappointment towards the Ministry of Human Resources.
They are disappointed that the Federal Ministry of Human Resources has not appointed their nominee to the board of the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO).
According to SBF Deputy President, Datuk Philip Ting over the past two decades or so, the Ministry had always consulted the Malaysian Employers’ Federation (MEF) Sarawak, who would in turn consult the SCCI whose nominees were all appointed.
However, Ting said without prior consultation, this practice was not followed during the recent appointment to the SOCSO Board.
“MEF Sarawak’s sole state nominee was rejected, but instead an individual from Serian who is neither a SBFor SCCI nominee, was nominated instead.
“Thus, we register our objection, as well as the lack of consultation by the minister with the Sarawak business community,” he added, at a press conference here yesterday, according to the statement.
According to the press release, both SBF and SCCI have respectfully requested that the state government assist them in rectifying this situation as they will be submitting another nominee from SBF to the state for onward transmission to the Minister of Human Resources for consideration.
“Sarawak employers, who are represented in the council of the SBF, collectively contribute more than RM200 million a year to SOCSO and as an important stakeholder, they have a direct interest to be involved in the management of SOCSO.
“During the past two decades or so, the Ministry of Human Resources has always consulted the Malaysian Employers’ Federation (MEF), who in turn consulted the SCCI whose nominees were all appointed.
“Without any prior consultation, this practice was not followed during the recent appointments to the SOCSO Board,” said the press release.
The press release also stated that Sarawak employers recognise the importance of their interests being represented and their collective voice heard but the MEF’s sole Sarawak nominee was rejected.
“We register our objection and displeasure at this turn of event as well as the lack of consultation by the minister with the Sarawak business community.”
