KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) should take into account audit findings from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to beef up governance of its funds, said Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) President Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman.
“We hope these audit findings will strengthen HRD Corp’s governance of the fund. We need better quality people in management, technology and better processes,” he explained.
Syed Hussain was commenting on the PAC’s findings of weakness in HRD Corp management due to dubious real estate deals and high-risk investments.
According to reports, the PAC also said there was no Bank Negara Malaysia representative in the investment panel, which is against the Human Resources Development Fund Act 2001.
“As the funds are getting bigger, we need more competent investment-related people in the committee,” he said, adding that HRD Corp’s act allows them to set up an investment committee.
Syed Hussain said that with better management and a better focus on training and development, HRD Corp will be one of its kind in the world.
“As a member of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), we have not found any country that has set up such a fund. Malaysia is a leader in this area of talent development.
“Hence, HRD Corp can only get better and become a role model for Human Resources development,” he added.
Syed Hussain also noted that despite the ongoing investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) following the PAC findings, credit should be given to HRD Corp for achieving a stable financial position, as acknowledged in the PAC Report 2/2024.
HRD has recorded a cumulative profit of RM389.95 million as of 31 December 2022.
Syed Hussain said that HRD Corp’s financial stability would help strengthen its human capital training programmes, which are needed by companies operating in Malaysia.
— BERNAMA
