Hoping for cheaper foreign maids
> Reduced cost of hiring domestic helpers will ease burden of civil servants, says Ahmad Zahid
PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday expressed hope that Budget 2018, to be presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak tomorrow, will reduce the cost of hiring foreign maids.
“In line with the government’s concern for civil servants, I am proposing the process of hiring domestic workers be simplified and the cost be reduced.
“I hope with the Home Ministry’s new procedures and regulations, it would help reduce the burden of government servants, especially those with children at home requiring maids,” he told a press conference after attending the Home Ministry monthly assembly yesterday.
On Oct 3, Najib said the government will announce several improvements for the public sector in the Budget, saying he would deliver some “good news”.
Ahmad Zahid said he also hopes the Budget will prioritise modern policing, in terms of assets and equipment.
“We face a huge challenge, especially against crimes involving online gambling and cyber crimes. We hope our assets can be improved to be in line with the current climate,” he said.
The Home Minister added that the ministry hopes for the welfare of its staff to be improved, giving special mention to police quarters and their facilities, which he claimed needed repair and upgrading.
On a separate matter, Ahmad Zahid urged all Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties to respect any decisions made by coalition chairman Najib regarding seat allocations for the coming general election.
“It would be good if other parties do not interfere. We have to respect our leadership institution, and other parties, so that no one party will be offended,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid said this in response to MyPPP president Tan Sri M. Kayveas, who expressed hope to contest the Cameron Highlands seat, which has traditionally been allocated to MIC.
Former MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel is the incumbent MP for the constituency.
At another event, Ahmad Zahid said the government has given priority to improving the level of education among all ethnic communities because it is one of the main ways to achieve vertical social mobility.
He said only through education will a person, his family and the community achieve economic success.
"Education is close to my heart and that of any parent. Therefore, it must be given top priority. A good education will (benefit) not only a community but the nation as a whole.
"The government always strives to ensure that no one is left behind and education is one of the means of achieving this aim," he said at a ceremony to present RM25 million in special allocations to 157 Tamil schools nationwide.