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By Mihar Dias Copyright ©️ July 2023
Oh, how disappointing!
The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) seems incredibly displeased with Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli.
I mean, who wouldn't be thrilled with the performance of an economy minister, right?
The MEF reminds Rafizi of his job to improve the economy and raise the people's standard of living. Clearly, he must have forgotten about that.
MEF President Syed Hussain Syed Husman doesn't hold back in his hard-hitting statement. He claims that Rafizi hasn't presented any concrete plans to improve the country's economy and raise the standard of living.
Well, how dare Rafizi not have all the answers within a few months of taking office? It's not like fixing an entire economy is a complex task or anything. We are still waiting for that magic formula!
And hold on a second, MEF is shocked that the economy minister is taking action on something outside his jurisdiction?
How dare he! Who does he think he is, trying to address wage increments?
That's the job of the minister of human resources. How dare Rafizi step on anyone's toes?
MEF insists that higher wages should be tied to performance and productivity.
How unreasonable for them to expect employees to work for their pay raises! And here I thought they would offer free salary increments—silly me.
Oh, and MEF is also upset that they haven't been involved in detailed discussions about the government's plan.
How dare the government make decisions without consulting the esteemed MEF?
Clearly, no one knows the needs of the workers better than the employers themselves.
Syed Hussain lectures Rafizi about market forces, stating that the market should determine the price of labour.
Who needs the government meddling in the affairs of the economy anyway?
We all know that corporations have the best interests of their employees at heart and will pay them fair wages without any external intervention.
And brace yourself for the doomsday scenario! Syed Hussain warns that if the government dares to involve itself in determining what industries should pay and do, Malaysia will be in a "serious situation."
Because, you know, if the government tries to ensure fair wages, multinational companies will flee the country, and investors will run for the hills.
Who needs social responsibility when you can have a thriving economy, right?
Finally, Syed Hussain suggests that if the government wants to mandate salary increments, it should provide grants or allocations to meet the determined pay.
Ah, yes, because we all know how eager corporations are to dip into their profits to pay their hardworking employees. It's not like they would ever prioritize their bottom line over fair compensation, right?
Sarcasm aside, it's disheartening to see the Malaysian Employers Federation resisting efforts to improve wages and living standards.
While market forces can play a role in determining compensation, it's crucial for governments to intervene and ensure fairness and social justice. A prosperous economy shouldn't come at the expense of workers' well-being.
Over to you, Rafizi!
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