Bandar Kuching MP calls for Sarawak PAC inquiry into FWTA governance, fee structure
by Churchill Edward · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (June 26): The Foreign Workers Transformation Approach (FWTA) should be referred to the Sarawak Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for a full inquiry into its governance, fee structure and public-private partnership (PPP) arrangements, said Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii.
In a statement, he said the PAC should examine the justification for the revised fees, the terms of the PPP agreement, any state obligations, the role of the private concessionaire, and whether the system delivers value for money and serves Sarawak’s interests.
“FWTA has raised serious questions regarding its governance, fee structure, and the PPP arrangement underpinning its implementation.
“These are precisely the kinds of issues that warrant proper legislative scrutiny and institutional oversight,” he said.
Given the growing public concerns surrounding FWTA, Yii said it is both appropriate and necessary for the PAC to undertake an independent examination of the matter.
He said the public had not been made aware of the contents of the PPP agreement, the basis for the fee determination, and whether sufficient safeguards exist to ensure value for money and protect businesses from unnecessary financial burdens.
These unanswered questions, he added, had understandably led to growing public concern.
A transparent PAC inquiry, he said, would allow these issues to be examined through proper legislative processes by calling relevant ministries, agencies and stakeholders to provide explanations and supporting documentation.
Yii said such scrutiny is essential not only to establish accountability but also to restore public confidence in the decision-making process.
“The effectiveness of the PAC, however, ultimately depends on its ability to operate independently and without fear or favour.
“Oversight must be genuine rather than merely procedural. The committee must be prepared to rigorously examine government decisions whenever legitimate questions arise,” he said, adding that this also highlights the broader need to strengthen the institutional independence of the PAC.
On that note, Yii said that as practised at the federal level and in many mature parliamentary democracies, serious consideration should be given to having the PAC chaired by an opposition representative to reinforce public confidence in its impartiality.
“At the very least, opposition representatives should be afforded full participation, equal access to relevant information and meaningful involvement throughout the inquiry process.
“Until such scrutiny is undertaken, concerns surrounding the FWTA will continue to persist.
“That is why I reiterate my calls on the Sarawak Government to immediately freeze the increased renewal fees while stakeholder engagements are ongoing, publicly disclose the full PPP agreement relating to the FWTA, and provide a comprehensive explanation of the contractual terms, financial arrangements and justification for the fee structure,” he said.