KUALA LUMPUR - The Cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday, saw Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan appointed as the new Minister of Human Resources.

Malaysia’s labour force stood at around 17.3 million workers earlier this year, with foreign workers making up a significant portion of the workforce, numbering over 2.1 million as of mid-October.

The Human Resources Ministry faces the task of strengthening protections for migrant workers, who make up a significant portion of Malaysia’s labour force. 

Concerns persist over issues such as unpaid wages, poor housing conditions and labour abuses in certain sectors.

Ramanan expressed his deepest appreciation to the Prime Minister for the trust placed in him to lead the Human Resources Ministry.

He said the appointment is a major responsibility to ensure the country’s workforce development agenda is strengthened in a holistic, inclusive and competitive manner.

“I record my highest appreciation and thanks to the Prime Minister for the confidence given to me to carry the trust as Minister of Human Resources.

“This appointment is a big responsibility to ensure the national workforce development agenda is strengthened in line with the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI,” he said in a statement on Facebook, yesterday.

Ramanan said he would soon meet the top leadership of the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) after taking his oath of office.

He also pledged to carry out his duties with full dedication and commitment to meet the hopes of Malaysians, including the Indian community.

“I will meet with the top leadership of KESUMA in the near future after the swearing-in process.

“I will carry this responsibility with full dedication and commitment for the people and the nation, in line with the Malaysia MADANI vision,” he said.

He also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) and its officers for their support during his previous tenure.

“Over almost two years at KUSKOP, I received strong support and cooperation to strengthen the economic development agenda of the Indian community,” Ramanan said.

Ramanan also thanked the Prime Minister on behalf of the Indian community for the honour and mandate given to him.

“I represent the Indian community in saying ‘Nandri’ (thank you) to the Prime Minister for this honour and mandate,” he added.