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
(Source: The Star Online)
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