Labour Chief Urges Bosses To Give Chance To Choosy Locals
By Laila Rahman

Bandar Seri Begawan - A total of 8,223 local job seekers have been registered with the Labour Department by the end of August this year.

This is a big figure for the country, which has a small population. This matter should not arise as three quarters of the manpower in the country are foreigners, said Awang Haji Omar bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Acting Commissioner of Labour, Ministry of Home Affairs.

He made these remarks as the guest of honour when he launched the 5th End of Year Exhibition 2003 at the Sultan Saiful Rijal Technical College. Organised by the Department of Building Design, Construction and Management, the exhibition is open from 21st October to 23rd October 2003.

Awang Haji Omar added that this is a paradox that requires the involvement and cooperation of every party in identifying appropriate measures to solve the problem. It was also found that 25 per cent of the manpower in the private sector are locals while the remaining 75 per cent are foreign workers.

It was observed that jobs carried out by foreigners can also be done by the locals as long as employers provide the locals with opportunities. At the same time, the locals should change their attitude and prepare to work in the private sector even though the salary is not comparable as when working in the government sector.

Thus, the involvement of the locals in the private sector is strongly required so that private jobs will be handled by the locals one day.

The courses and training provided by the college actually prepare the students to be equipped with knowledge and skills needed by the private sector.

Awang Haji Omar advised the students to make full use of the efforts made by the government in providing training and skills.

He said, “Apply the knowledge that you have learned when working in the private sector. This is because the private sector is also a driving force in the country’s economic development. Students should not only believe that working in the government sector only contributes to the development of the country. Working in the private sector and self-employment has a similar importance.

“It is imperative that the locals should continuously upgrade and develop new skills and knowledge, particularly to meet the needs of the private sector.”

At the ceremony, there was also a presentation of souvenir to the External Assessor of Interior Design, Awang Haji Kadir bin Haji Hidup, Architect, Senior Engineer Building Section of Public Works Department and a presentation of souvenir to the guest of honour. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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