HAMBURG: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Human Resources Minister Steven Sim will be tasked with liaising with his Indonesian counterpart on the demand for a revision of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two countries.
Anwar was asked to comment on the call by Hermono, the Indonesian ambassador to Malaysia, for a review of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on formal sector workers from the republic to Malaysia, especially those in agriculture and construction, after 20 years.
The ambassador had said that among the issues requiring attention was the necessity for the embassy to oversee the process of hiring workers in Malaysia, as well as and the matter of salaries needing adjustment in accordance with the minimum wage policy in Malaysia.
Anwar, in response, said there are certain mechanisms which have to be followed.
"I will ask the Minister of Human Resources (Steven Sim) to discuss the matter with his counterpart.
"Of course, ambassadors can submit their views but I don't think it is right for me to respond to this as it involves relations between two countries.
"There are mechanisms that must be observed and respected. Indonesia is a country that is important to us and a close friend.
As such, I feel we should use the mechanism in place to ensure the relations remain cordial, strong and friendly," he said.