I read with disbelief that the government has authorised the recruitment of 100,000 male Pakistanis to 'relieve the acute labour shortage following the crackdown on illegals in recent months'.

It comes at a time when much misgivings have been expressed by the authorities in this country on Islamic militant activities. It must be said that Islamic fundamentalists in Pakistan have had a role in the molding, training and recruitment of terrorists for global terror operations.

Are we not asking for avoidable trouble? Can the government guarantee that such elements will not enter Malaysia hidden among the100,000?

In my view, it would be far better and wiser for the government to recruit from other countries such as China, Vietnam, Burma and India.

Unless, of course, the government is acting in pursuance of a hidden agenda.