Malaysia denies freezing recruitment, says Indians welcome

New Delhi: Malaysia denied any freeze on employment of Indian workers on Tuesday.

"It is not true. There is no such thing," Malaysian Works Minister Samy Vellu, who is in New Delhi for the conference of overseas Indians, told reporters when asked about news reports from Kuala Lumpur in this regard.

"I just spoke to the Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi, Minister of Human Resources and the Secretary General of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The news reports are not true. There is no such thing," he said.

Vellu, also the President of Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), said Indian workers are already there and when it is needed they are welcome.

Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi, who was also present, said he believed the Malaysian Minister was right.

"I heard him speak to the Prime Minister. There is no truth in the story. We believe him. As and when more information comes on it, we will talk about it," he said.