The government transformation plan towards high-income status by 2020 has drawn scepticism from the DAP.

National a NONE ssistant treasurer Nga Kor Ming (right) argued that at least one-third of Malaysian workers now earn as low as RM500 a month.

So, if the ambition is to push monthly incomes into the US$15,000 bracket, the government should start by setting the minimum wage at RM900.

The DAP has therefore called for a tripartite wage council comprising employers, unions and the Human Resources Ministry to discuss the government’s minimum-wage proposal for the benefit of the low-income group.

If this is not done, he said the transformation plan will remain another empty slogan like that of ‘1Malaysia’.

On Sunday, Human Resource Minister Dr S Subramaniam had called for backing from employers to ensure smooth implementation of the proposal by next year.

He was also quoted as saying that the minimum wage model would be across the board for all sectors, but would vary regionally. A paper is expected to the cabinet by next month.

Subramaniam said salaries must rise commensurate with the increase in the price of goods and the higher standard of living, as the salary structure in many sectors had not changed drastically to meet needs.

‘Other rights, too’

However, the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has said the move will hurt local businesses and workers as it will mainly benefit low-skilled and low-income foreign workers, resulting in more money being remitted from the country.

Executive director Shamsuddin Bardan said the way to push for higher income levels is by increasing productivity and performance.

NONE DAP vice-chief M Kulasegaran said the government had succumbed pressure from the MEF in the past to postpone the implementation of the proposal.

“Now, the government must have the political will to impose the policy, considering the plight of the majority of the workers. Thousands of our citizens live in poverty. Should we allow them to continue to suffer without a decent wage?”

Kulasegaran said the argument for a minimum wage comes with the right to basic needs which include housing, a five-day work week, and 90 days’ maternity allowance, housing allowances, free medical care and education.

The ultimate move in easing the financial problems of the working class would be the introduction of weekly wages for all workers, he added.