Is a higher minimum wage enough to improve workers’ lives? Why are bank employees protesting? And why are ordinary people still paying the price for the haze?
Welcome to the first episode of THE LEFT, a new segment on TheGoodCastShow bringing together political voices from the left to share their perspectives on what’s happening in Malaysia and around the world.
In this episode, Yuvan Balan and Kelvin from Sosialis Alternatif join us to discuss three pressing issues: the recent minimum wage increase, the National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE) protests, and the recurring haze crisis.
We examine Malaysia’s minimum wage debate through the lens of the working class, asking whether wage increases can keep up with the cost of living, how struggling small businesses should be supported, and whether creating higher-paying jobs offers a more lasting solution.
The conversation then turns to trade unions, workers’ rights and collective action. What can the NUBE protests tell us about workers’ bargaining power? Are negotiations and peaceful pickets enough, or do workers need stronger industrial action to secure better pay and conditions?
Finally, we debate responsibility for Southeast Asia’s transboundary haze. From plantation companies and corporate profits to government regulation and enforcement, who should be held accountable—and what would it take to stop the crisis from repeating?
In this episode:
• Minimum wage versus a living wage
• Rising living costs, inequality and corporate profits
• Small businesses and the challenge of higher wages
• NUBE protests, trade unions and collective bargaining
• Outsourcing, job insecurity and worker exploitation
• The haze, plantation practices and environmental accountability
• Socialist perspectives on Malaysia’s economy and politics
THE LEFT creates space to hear, question and challenge ideas that receive less attention in mainstream political conversations.
Do you agree with Yuvan and Kelvin? What should Malaysia prioritise to improve the lives of working people? Share your views in the comments.
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