LETTER | Malaysia is potentially on the cusp of something revolutionary, where there is a real chance that a party other than BN would be elected to rule the country. All indications are that the BN knows it and are desperate to cling on to power. The various financial fiascos and the mismanagement of the country at many levels have turned the people against the BN government.

High up on the list of the people who have had to pay the price for an incompetent government is the common worker. Over the years, the policies of the government have both directly and indirectly impacted negatively on workers, and the BN government is not bothered. When I refer to workers, I mean both Malaysian and foreign labour.

As much as it is said that it is the Elections Commission that set the date for the elections, it is apparent that it is in line with the aspirations of BN, given the comments made by senior members of that party. Malaysians have been inconvenienced and in many cases deprived of the exercise of their constitutional right. With balloting set for a Wednesday, many Malaysian workers would just not be able to make it to vote. What greater disrespect and disregard to Malaysians can there be than denying its citizenry a proper and reasonable opportunity to cast their votes in a general election?

Labour Day was celebrated on May 1 and instead of honouring the role of workers, BN chose to level insults against workers instead. Najib Abdul Razak, the head of BN, stated that he would “gift” workers if BN were elected to rule again. Among the “gifts” is to increase the minimum wage, currently set at RM1000.00 for those in Peninsular Malaysia and RM920.00 per month for those in East Malaysia.

The thing here is that based on the existing mechanism, the minimum wage is again due for a review this year. What therefore is the real value of Najib’s “gift”? The BN has actually stated that it intends to increase the minimum wage level to RM1500.00 per month over a five-year period – which is rather pathetic.

The cost-of-living in Malaysia has increased over the past decade or so, and wages have not risen in proportion to that. The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has made it more difficult than ever for the common Malaysian worker to make ends meet. How those from the Najib administration can deny this fact is truly baffling, and a testament to the total disregard they have for the Malaysian people.

Bank Negara has, in a recent report, stated that the “living wage” of a single person living and working in Kuala Lumpur is RM2,700.00 per month. A living wage is a wage level where people can meaningfully participate in society. The fact that there is such a disparity between the minimum wage and the living wage levels speaks to the failed economic and social policies of the government. Having helmed the country, Najib should be speaking to what he has done for workers as opposed to what he would be doing. Even where it concerns his promises of the “gifts” to workers, they are inadequate.

The common people, the 99 percent have only seen wealth and income disparity increase. It is undeniable that this is a global problem, though the Malaysian government has done little in terms of its policies to deal with this issue from a structural standpoint. Today, wage levels are being continually depressed due to the failed policies of the government.

Labour has been robbed of its dignity

Apart from just the matter of wages, workers in the country have been robbed of proper trade union representation and access to justice. The role of trade unions has been diminished due to the anti-union policies of the government. Trade unions have found it increasingly difficult to recruit members and represent workers. There are any stumbling blocks, and the entire system is stacked against workers and trade unions. For a dismissed worker to have his day in court, it can take years.

The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) is potentially a powerful organisation. It has though, over the years, been losing its influence. government interference and policies have been among the reasons that have contributed to it. The BN government has always worked to have those who support its policies and who will not voice out against the government to helm the organization.

Internecine feuding, especially when a true trade union activist is elected into a position of influence within the MTUC, has rendered the organization ineffective. It is incomprehensible as to how some trade union leaders have lined up to be seen with and curry favor with the BN government. Musa Hitam, in his memoir "Frankly Speaking", stated as to how he won a Parliamentary seat with the support of the MTUC. Today, no political party in the real sense would work to seek the support of the MTUC.

Workers must take a stand. The alternative to BN in the coming election, Pakatan Harapan (PH), provides hope. Malaysia needs a change, and from the standpoint of the workers in the country, need people within the government or in Parliament that can address its needs and challenges. PH Parliamentarians such as Abdullah Sani, Charles Santiago and Kulasegaran have over time proven their mettle in this sense.

The workers in Malaysia have for far too long been relegated to irrelevance and it is time for a new government in Pakatan Harapan to restore the lost dignity of Malaysian workers.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.