NEW YORK, Sept 23 — The government is looking into ways to attract skilled Malaysians to return and contribute to the country in a move to address the threat of brain drain the country is facing now, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The relevant ministries involved include the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti), the Economy Ministry, and the Higher Education Ministry, which are currently engaging those who can contribute to return and be placed in specific areas of competence to help Malaysia.
“I am sure this can be done, it is ongoing… and we should, as you know we are now encountering the problem of brain drain in the past years.
“Top scholars, top economists, top accountants are leaving (the country) or have left, so now we have to make sure that we have a system that could encourage them to come back with the incentives,” he said during a dinner with Malaysian diaspora and students today.
Anwar, who arrived in the city on Wednesday (September 20), had earlier delivered Malaysia’s National Statement at the 78th United Nations General Assembly.
Meanwhile, he said the government has set up a committee to review the salary scheme of public servants but any restructuring needs to be done according to the country’s financial position.
“What I have inherited is RM1.5 trillion debt, 5.6 per cent deficit, which means if I am a responsible leader, I have to gradually reduce the debt.
“…and if we are responsible in terms of prudent economic policy, then we will have to reduce the deficit, from 5.6 last year to 5.3 this year, and hoping to reach five in 2024,” Anwar said.
On the question of dual citizenship, he said the matter would be discussed further by assessing the implications of the implementation, as it would involve a major policy decision
“The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Home Affairs will put up a paper and discuss its implications. For now, we are not in favour but since there were requests, we will at least look at it and see whether we need to adjust or not,” Anwar said.
He was asked if there is a possibility for the government to allow dual citizenship to encourage Malaysian professionals living abroad to contribute to the country’s development without having to choose between their homeland and adopted countries.
— Bernama
