A Corruption Free PM and Government Needed For Wellbeing of Workers in Malaysia
Malaysian Trade Union Congress(MTUC) is deeply concerned about the state of affairs in Malaysia and its impact on workers.
What has surfaced is, amongst others, the allegation of corruption
against Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak in connection with the about
RM2.6 billion allegedly found in his personal bank accounts, the
allegation of ‘wrongs’ done by 1MDB, related companies and possibly
other government-linked companies (GLCs). There is also the perception
that there is also interference in various available investigation
mechanisms in Malaysia, be it the Malaysian Anti Corruption
Commission(MACC), the Attorney General’s Chambers, police, Public
Accounts Committee(PAC) of the Parliament, the Special Task Force and
others. All these, including the dropping Malaysian ringgit which MTUC
believes is also because of the above, may have a negative impact on
workers.
Many businesses and investors consider a ‘clean corrupt free’
government, effective legal mechanisms and proper enforcement for
justice as an attractive reason to come set up their businesses in
Malaysia, or even remain in Malaysia.
MTUC is concerned that the dropping Malaysian Ringgit may also cause
an increase in the cost of living of workers, and unless wages of
workers are increased, this will cause great difficulties for workers
and their families. While dropping oil prices and other factors may be
caused, it cannot be denied that these corruption allegations and
matters related will also be an added factor for the decline of the
Malaysian currency value.
MTUC reiterates that the Minimum Wages, which workers in Malaysia
have been enjoying since 1 January 2013, should have been increased
latest by 1 January 2015. We draw your attention to our statement, that
can be found on our website, entitled ‘MTUC disappointed that after 2
years and 4 months, workers Minimum Wage rates still not increased’
which was issued on 19/5/2015. Wages, especially Minimum Wages, need to
be increased now to enable workers to cope with their economic welfare.
Of late, there has been news that many factories, like JVC Kenwood
Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Ansell Malaysia Sdn Bhd, and Fairchild Semiconductor
International Inc( known before as National Semiconductor), have closed
down or will be closing down, which will leave thousands of workers
unemployed. About 1,891 employees of CIMB Group in Malaysia are also out
of work, After 31st August, there will also be about 6,000 employees of
Malaysian Airlines Systems Berhad(MAS Bhd) who will be out of work.
MTUC believes that there are many more workers in Malaysia who are
out of employment, and that many more will lose their jobs in the near
future.
MTUC has called for many measures like the emergency financial
assistance for workers out of work, and Cost of Living Allowance (COLA)
for all workers, all of which would have been most helpful for workers
in Malaysia during these difficult times. We need legally provided
protections and rights to assist workers in such difficult times.
It is of utmost importance for our Prime Minister and our government
to restore public confidence, which would naturally include independent
transparent investigation and due process of law. No one is above the
law.
A public perception and confidence that Malaysia has a corrupt-free
Prime Minister and government, and that Malaysia believes in justice is
what we need for the welfare and wellbeing of the about 12 million
workers and their families.
Secretary General
Tel: + 6 019 317 4717
Email: gopalkishnam@gmail.com
Source: MTUC Website
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