Malaysia is one of Asia's biggest employers of foreign labour. But recently, cases of deaths, abuse and forced labour have come to light. What is going on? Who is protecting these migrant workers?
KUCHING: The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) is urging workers in the state to vote for the political party and candi- dates who are willing to put the interest of workers and their families first.
In a press statement signed by MTUC secretary Andrew Lo yesterday, the union wants to work with the Government and any political party to ensure that economic and development policies benefit Sarawakian workers as well.
“Finally after 50 years, minimum wage (MW) was implemented,” read the statement.
“MTUC strongly believes that minimum wage and higher wages will lead to better economic growth and subsequently more business for companies, which in turn will spur them to increase productivity.
“However, employers are continuing their campaign to get MW deferred, resorting to bullying tactics and fear mongering as well as emotional sensationalism.
“Do not vote for political parties and candidates that have not embraced this policy and have worked hand in hand with employers to defer the implementation,” it reiterated.
It also stated that it did not want any handouts, saying: “It is sad that more than 4.2 million Malaysians live in households that earn less than RM3,000 a month and qualify for the RM500 handout.
“Something must be wrong with the economic policy if after 50 years of independence we still need such handouts. Decent jobs with decent pay will eliminate the need for such handouts.”
“We must elect effective, performing and clean parliamenta- rians and ministers that really care about the country who are ready to implement long term and sustainable social and economic policies.
“We want to ensure that every Sarawakian has a meaningful share in our state’s vast resources. We, the workers, cannot be short-changed anymore. Ignore us at your own risk,” the union warned.
Source: The Star Online
Address: Wisma MTUC,10-5, Jalan USJ 9/5T, 47620 Subang Jaya,Selangor | Tel: 03-80242953 | Fax: 03-80243225 | Email: sgmtuc@gmail.com.com