IOM seeks qualified Malaysians to fill positions in its centres
PUTRAJAYA: The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has offered two positions to be filled by qualified Malaysians as its officers in recognition of Malaysia’s efforts in helping Syrians.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said IOM lauded Malaysia’s commitment in bringing in 3,500 Syrians into the country.
“During the 70th United Nation Conference in 2015, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had announced that Malaysia would bring in 3,000 refugees from Syria in stages within three years, in view of the conflict in their country.
“Now, within a year and a half, more than 3,500 Syrians are in Malaysia and have been given temporary documents. They will be sent back to their country when the conflict is over,” Zahid said after receiving a courtesy call from IOM director-general William Lacy Swing.
Zahid said he would discuss with the prime minister and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman to get the details on criteria needed to be IOM officers.
“IOM offers this to the officers of the ministries, departments, agencies, universities and nongovernmental organisations to work either at the IOM headquarters in Geneva or at any of its 500 centres worldwide.
“We will discuss the matter further to get details on the qualifications,” he said, adding that it was an international recognition for Malaysia.
IOM also expressed its wish to establish an office in Malaysia.
As the IOM representatives had yet to receive diplomat status, the matter would be discussed with the Foreign Ministry, said Zahid.
On another development, the government has formed a special task force for Sea Games Kuala Lumpur 2017 (KL2017) to ensure the safety of the public and participants throughout the event.
The task force, known as KL2017 Anti-terrorism Task Force, will be led by the police’s Internal Security and Public Order Department’s director.
The Armed Forces headquarters’ chief of staff will act as the deputy.
“The main role of the task force is to increase the collaboration and coordination with ministries, agencies and departments to ensure that KL2017 runs smoothly.
“It will focus on three main components — before (prevention and increasing the security); during (crisis management); and after (recovery) the Games.
“We hope this will boost the confidence of the rakyat and KL2017 participants in the government’s efforts to ensure a smooth and safe event,” Zahid said.
Zahid, who is also home minister, had earlier chaired the KL2017 Safety High Level Committee meeting, which was managed by the National Security Council (NSC) and the Prime Minister’s Department.
Zahid said the government was always concerned with the safety aspects and had taken additional measures to ensure that security during KL2017 was at its highest level. By FAIRUZ MOHD SHAHAR