KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak promised to redouble efforts to improve the quality of life of every worker if the Barisan Nasional government is given a strong mandate in Sunday’s general election to govern the nation.
He said the Barisan Government would also ensure employment for every Malaysian wanting to work and provide ample access to them to upgrade their job skills in efforts to help increase their income.
“My colleagues and I will ensure the services and contributions of every worker are valued and appreciated by providing a conducive and congenial working environment for them and their families to lead a happy life in this blessed and beloved nation,” he said in his Workers Day message themed “Workers Catalyst for Nation’s Transformation” aired over RTM last night.
Najib said the 13 million Malaysian workers had many reasons to be thankful for the country’s low unemployment rate, which was only 3.3% in January this year compared to advanced nations like Spain, which registered 26.2%, Euro Zone (12%), France (10.7%) the United States (7.9%) and Australia (5.4%).
The Prime Minister said the cost of living in Malaysia was also under control with the inflation indicator in January at 1.3%, while the relative poverty rate had dwindled to 1.7% and per capita income increased to US$9,700 (RM29,000) last year.
“All these are efforts of a government that gives priority to the people’s interests and well-being for the contributions and support of more than 13 million workers in Malaysia,” he said.
On the setting of the minimum wage for the private sector, Najib said some 3.2 million workers nationwide would benefit from minimum wage.
“In the long term, the setting of the minimum wage will yield positive impact to the national economic transformation from being labour-oriented to capital-driven to contribute towards more high-skilled workers in this country,” he said.
“What my colleagues and I have done for Malaysian workers over the past four years are only a reflection of what is to come and implemented in the next five years.
“Improved welfare and well-being for more than 13 million Malaysian workers will be our priority to propel the nation forward,” he added.
BERNAMA
