Why is the proposed hiring of 8,000 contract staff for JKM questioned?

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Proposed Hiring of 8,000 Contract Staff for JKM Questioned Due to Misalignment with Departmental Needs and Potential Political Patronage

Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh has voiced significant concerns regarding the plan to recruit 8,000 contract staff for the Social Welfare Department (JKM), arguing that the initiative fails to address the department's genuine needs. Yeoh contends that the proposed hires do not align with the critical shortages in specialised roles such as child protection officers, psychology officers, and welfare officers, and has raised questions about the potential politicisation of the recruitment process.
Misalignment with Actual Departmental Needs

Yeoh highlighted that the proposed addition of 8,000 contract staff to JKM, an agency that currently employs 6,000 individuals, does not reflect the department's pressing requirements on the ground. She suggested that resources would be better allocated towards hiring approximately 1,500 child protection officers, alongside additional psychology and welfare officers, who are essential for investigating assistance requests and safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
Concerns Over Political Patronage

A central point of Yeoh's criticism revolves around the potential for political appointments within these contract positions. She specifically questioned Minister Rina Harun's alleged practice of appointing volunteers, some reportedly members of Srikandi Bersatu, to roles within related initiatives like Yayasan Kebajikan Negara (YKN), where they received allowances. Yeoh urged the minister not to transform the Social Welfare Department into a political entity, emphasising that social welfare work is distinct from political activities and directly impacts children's lives.
Call for Professionalisation and Transparency

Yeoh challenged Minister Rina Harun to demonstrate a genuine commitment to restructuring JKM by prioritising the tabling of the Social Work Profession Bill. Furthermore, she stressed the importance of appointing adequately trained child protection officers rather than engaging in what she perceives as political appointments. This call underscores a demand for professional standards and transparency in the department's operations.
Context of JKM Restructuring and Budget Allocation

The initiative for restructuring JKM was initially conceived during the tenure of Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, following an Organisational Management Study conducted by Mampu from December 2018 to May 2019. The announcement of the 8,000 contract positions by Minister Rina Harun on December 12 followed Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz's Budget 2021 announcement, which included provisions for 50,000 contract employment opportunities in the public sector, with 8,000 earmarked for the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.

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Why is the proposed hiring of 8,000 contract staff for JKM questioned?

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