MALAYSIA:::MTUC: Heavy job losses amid RM2.6b scandal

The Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) today expressed concerned that several scandals plaguing the nation is eroding confidence and causing a flight of investors, leading to unemployment.

“MTUC is deeply concerned about the state of affairs in Malaysia and its impact on workers,” said its secretary-general N Gopal Kishnam.

Among the scandals he said, are the RM2.6 billion deposited into Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s personal bank accounts, alleged wrongdoing of state-owned 1MDB, and the apparent interference of investigations into these scandals.

“All these, including the falling Malaysian ringgit which MTUC believes is also because of the above, may have a negative impact on workers,” he said in a statement today.

Gopal (photo) said businesses seek a clean and corruption-free government, effective legal mechanisms and proper enforcement as reasons to remain in Malaysia.

He pointed out that already, several companies have withdrawn from Malaysia or are planning to do so, leading to thousands of workers losing their jobs.

“Of late, there has been news that many factories, like JVCKenwood Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Ansell Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Fairchild Semiconductor International Inc have closed down, or will be closing down, which will leave thousands of workers unemployed,” said Gopal.

MALAYSIA:::Stall talks for Bangladesh workers, Zahid told

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi should delay the negotiations to bring in 1.5 million workers from Bangladesh, said Klang MP Charles Santiago.

This is because Ahmad Zahid, who is also home minister, should focus on reviewing the labour market for locals first before doing anything else, Charles said in a statement today.

"Foreign workers are already dominating the local labour market, denying Malaysians of jobs and suppressing wages," he explained.

MALAYSIA:::MTUC against en bloc deferral of minimum wage

Malaysian Trade Union Congress President, Khalid Atan says that the Congress is against en bloc applications by SMEs to defer implementation of minimum wage. Any application has to be on individual basis. 

Khalid also clarifies the events of the Feb 27th meeting with the National Wages Consultative Council (MPGN) that led to a walkout by SME representatives.

Khalid Atan: MTUC against en bloc deferral of... oleh kinitv

MALAYSIA::: MTUC says plan to bring in 1.5m foreign workers contradicts with 11MP objective

The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) has threatened to hold demonstrations if the government does not drop its plan to bring in 1.5 million Bangladeshi workers.

MTUC secretary-general N. Gopal Kishnam said the sudden decision to bring in 1.5 million workers from Bangladesh contradicts the 11th Malaysia Plan's (11MP) objective to reduce dependency on low-skilled foreign labour.