A war of words has erupted between Human Resources Minister M Kulasegaran and MTUC secretary-general J Solomon stemming from a report in a Pakistani daily paper claiming that Malaysia would hire between 100,000 and 150,000 security guards from Pakistan.

Responding to Solomon's criticism of his initial response to the matter, Kulasegaran said: "Solomon should educate himself before getting excited over news reports on the alleged 100,000 security guards from Pakistan to gain employment in Malaysia, which has since been denied by the Home Ministry."

"He should take note of the cabinet directive to not interfere in the jurisdictions of other Ministries and to focus on our own and should also be educated on the fact that all security concerns of the nation fall under the purview of the Home Ministry and it would be unfair for me to comment on it," said Kulasegaran.

He said Solomon should be made aware that he is inaccurate when he said these security guards must first be processed by the Human Resources Ministry, as all matters regarding security guards are processed by the Home Ministry.

"Perhaps Solomon should be educated on the role of the Security Division under the Home Ministry," said a scathing Kulasegaran.

Solomon had accused him of washing his hands off the matter and said the minister should be the first person to seek clarification from the home ministry instead of leaving it to the press.

Not mincing his words Kulasegaran went to add his view that Solomon was "reckless, irresponsible and brash with his statements and the least he should do is to apologise for misleading the Malaysian public".

"Solomon should also not use these issues as an avenue to drive his personal agenda against the Ministry or me," added Kulasegaran.