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?
"I don’t think we can rush into saying it is good for us," the deputy prime minister told a press conference here. Najib is on a week-long visit to Saudi Arabia.
<P>Najib was asked to
comment on a call by the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MUTC) which wanted the
Government to ensure the private sector implemented the minimum wage policy as
it could address the problems of unemployed graduates, illegal immigrants and
issues related to foreign workers.</P><P>He said currently there were plenty of
jobs available in the country but Malaysians were too picky and uninterested in
the jobs offered.</P><P>Najib said the Government had not given the green light
to the policy as it was seen unsuitable for a developing nation like Malaysia.</P><P>He
said it was better to leave the private sector decide on the starting salary of
its employees based on demand and supply.</P><P>The Government, he said, wanted
Malaysia to remain competitive globally and did not want the cost of doing business
in the country to increase.</P><P>However, all hope is not lost when the deputy
prime minister said the Government would review from time to time the policy of
not allowing a minimum wage for the private sector.</P><P>Asked what if MTUC decides
to submit a memorandum to the Government on the matter, Najib said the Government
adopted an open policy with any trade union.</P><P>"If they have proposals
and valid reasons, we’re prepared to accept their memorandum and give due consideration,"
he said.</P><P>On Cuepacs’ salary adjustments to nearly one million civil servants,
he said the Government was still looking into their proposal.</P><P>Stressing
that an across-the-board salary increase for government employees would have a
huge financial implication on the Government’s coffer, he said: " The general
feeling, particularly for the lower-income group, there is justification for the
Government to look into it."</P><P>He said it would take the Government "a
bit of time" to consider Cuepacs’ proposal.</P><P>On another matter, Najib
said he would deliver a keynote address on Malaysia’s experience in privatisation
at the Jeddah Economic Forum on Tuesday.</P><P>He said Malaysia had vast experience
in privatisation since 1980s and this would be shared with other countries. —
BERNAMA</P><P><I>Source: http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=248455</I>
Address: Wisma MTUC,10-5, Jalan USJ 9/5T, 47620 Subang Jaya,Selangor | Tel: 03-80242953 | Fax: 03-80243225 | Email: sgmtuc@gmail.com.com