[UPDATED] HR Ministry scraps Skills Passport after project delayed over a year

KUALA LUMPUR – The Human Resources Ministry has scrapped the controversial Skills Passport project by Human Resource Development Corp (HRD Corp).

Newly minted minister Steven Sim said this was because the multi-million ringgit project had been delayed for over a year, and had missed its time to be implemented.

“Upon consideration, I have instructed HRD Corp to discontinue the Skills Passport project. It has been delayed for over a year, and the ministry finds that the project is no longer suitable for implementation.”

Sim explained that this decision aligns with the three cores the ministry will focus on under his administration: strengthening welfare, improving skills and increasing employee productivity.

Earlier this year, it was reported that the Finance Ministry discovered discrepancies in a contract procurement process involving a key official in HRD Corp, valued between RM53 million and RM159.47 million.

In a letter, the MoF suggested that a senior officer attempted to mislead the former by implying that they received approval from HRD Corp’s board to proceed with the proposed Skills Passport programme.

The programme was intended to be a platform to register workers under HRD Corp.

The MoF also said the board meeting’s minutes dated October 6, 2022, had referred to a purportedly inaccurate report – as the board was allegedly not asked to grant consent for the project.

The concerns related to the initiative arose after the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission arrested former human resources minister V. Sivakumar’s aides over alleged graft in the recruitment of migrant workers.

Meanwhile, Sim said his ministry will structure the National Human Resources Policy, which will act as the main reference in efforts to uphold the ministry’s three cores, while also preparing a labour market that is capable of facing future challenges.

The challenges include digital technology, the agenda of an ageing country, a green economy, career mismatches and the need for decent work – which is in line with the Madani Economy framework.

Sim also instructed the Progressive Wage Model pilot project’s expedition, to allow employees to obtain more reasonable salaries. 

He said his ministry will be working closely with the Economy Ministry to successfully implement the project and other efforts to reform the nation’s labour market.

Sim also said that he and his deputy, Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad, held a tour session for each department and agency in the ministry to get a better understanding of their functions before making plans to optimise them.

Sim was appointed human resources minister following the cabinet reshuffle last week. He replaced fellow DAP member Sivakumar. – December 20, 2023