KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 12 ― The Home Ministry has denied a report claiming that Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had ordered it to award a management system contract for Bangladeshi workers to his brother's company, saying the matter is still being discussed.

In a statement published by The Star today, the ministry admitted, however, that there was a “note” on the working paper submitted by Real Time Networking Sdn Bhd ― whose executive chairman Datuk Abdul Hakim is Zahid’s brother.

The ministry did not divulge further details on the note but stressed that it did not not amount to a directive or approval for the contract award.

“A few companies, including Real Time Networking Sdn Bhd, have submitted proposals to the ministry to provide a system to manage foreign workers.

“However, we have not made any decision. We are still looking through all the proposals. A committee will decide through the existing procedures,” the Home Ministry was quoted saying.

The ministry added that Malaysia and Bangladesh will continue talks to ensure a quick resolution to the repatriation of illegal workers from the latter nation.

“We are also working together to establish the process for new intake of workers is done transparently and systematically in stages,” it added.

Zahid is home minister and was recently appointed as deputy prime minister after a Cabinet reshuffle.