For so long people of Malaysia have been distracted by one by-election after the other, plans of large numbers of BN MPs hopping over to PR, the Perak issue...but sadly, there has been little discussion let alone expression of positions on many real issues. The phrase, 'We want greater JUSTICE' means so very little, if we do not state what exactly we will do to bring about this greater justice. It would be good, if PR (and even maybe the BN) can really state their position and policy (and their intended actions) on the many...real issues that affect person's lives - like Job, Healthcare, etc... Let's start with jobs and some of the related concerns...
JOBS FOR EVERYONE
- Every person in Malaysia shall have employment (i.e. the policy would be to provide every person in Malaysia with employment and income every month) - So what is the position, policy and practice of PR on this issue?
PERMANENT JOBS NOT SHORT-TERM CONTRACTS
DIRECT EMPLOYMENT BY THE BIG EMPLOYERS
- Well, the present trend with many employers is not to employ permanent employees. The practice today is:-
a) Short Fixed Term Employment Contracts :- Many employers now offer 6-month, 1-year contracts...The problem with this is that there is no more job-security for workers. Even retrenchment-benefits and lay-off benefits are lost to these workers. It is OK to be on short-term employment contracts but as one becomes older, it is more and more difficult. This practice also 'cripples' workers' union and struggle... What is sad that this method of employment is also being practiced by government, GLCs, ...TNB, Telekom Malaysia, CELCOM, etc...So what is the position, policy and practice of PR on this issue?
b) Outsourcing - this is a new 'trick' of many employers, including our banks - In this way, what should be the employers are now free of the traditional and usual obligations of employers to workers - i.e. job security, social security, work benefits, working conditions, right to unionize, etc... You work at ABC Berhad - but you really are the employee of some small contractor, or outsourcing company. These 'outside' workers really would have the interest or the 'right' to complain...to struggle for better working conditions at the workplace... So what is the position, policy and practice of PR on this issue?
c) Automation. At one time, governments were concerned about getting its people jobs and regular income, and hence there was a resistance to automation, which results in loss of jobs for the people. Remember, before in a bus, there were 2 workers - the driver and the conductor, and today there is one - the driver. In banks, there were previously many counter staff - but now they have been replaced by ATM machines, and usually at hand to assist consumers is the security guard - so soon Banks will again VSS or retrench more workers...So what is the position, policy and practice of PR on this issue?
MINIMUM WAGES FOR WORKERS - There really should be minimum wages that are set, and this should realistically take into consideration cost of living. What is this minimum? State government...and even Local Councils do have the requisite power to impose Minimum Wage requirements... So what is the position, policy and practice of PR on this issue?
c) Automation. At one time, governments were concerned about getting its people jobs and regular income, and hence there was a resistance to automation, which results in loss of jobs for the people. Remember, before in a bus, there were 2 workers - the driver and the conductor, and today there is one - the driver. In banks, there were previously many counter staff - but now they have been replaced by ATM machines, and usually at hand to assist consumers is the security guard - so soon Banks will again VSS or retrench more workers...So what is the position, policy and practice of PR on this issue?
MINIMUM WAGES FOR WORKERS - There really should be minimum wages that are set, and this should realistically take into consideration cost of living. What is this minimum? State government...and even Local Councils do have the requisite power to impose Minimum Wage requirements... So what is the position, policy and practice of PR on this issue?
Great questions!!
ReplyDeleteI hear many suggestions on "shadow Cabinet" by Pakatan Rakyat (PR) but nothing on this happening yet. Perhaps this should be the first step that PR should take.
By having a shadow cabinet, PR should be able to show fellow Malaysians that
1. they are ready to form federal government should they win in next GE
2. they are able to sit and share power between them
3. each ministries can then be expected to inform rakyat about their stand on issues affecting rakyat