Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi’s Rhetoric

“First, we have hard the voice of our citizens, and I will dedicate myself, in this second term, to healing the divisions which became evident during the campaign. That will mean developing new and concrete initiatives, not just rhetoric………………..”

Published in the Asian Wall Street Journal on 11 March 2008

There is no sign he is listening and responding. Since he took over as Prime Minister the MTUC submitted four memorandums on the impact of fuel price increase and escalation of living costs, 30% to 60% increase in toll charges, proposal for a national minimum wage and the need to raise the compulsory retirement age for workers.

His failure to respond to any of the above legitimate demands shows that he is neither listening nor responding

Labour Outsourcing is akin to slave labour

Foreign labour outsourcing system implemented over two years ago has reintroduced the outlawed centuries-old slave labour system in the country. Government is well aware of the widespread abuses openly practiced by the Foreign Worker agencies, but have not taken firm action to stop the abuse.

The immigration authorities under the Kementerian Dalam Negeri (KDN) often highlight the abusive practices but they only penalize the victims.

MTUC has reported numerous cases of non-payment of wages, breach of employment contract and beatings by thugs engaged by outsourcing agents. Unfortunately the Human Resources Ministry has not taken steps to stop the foreign labour outsourcing system, which is seen by many as a lucrative way to enrich themselves at the expense of ‘slave labourers’.

Inflation rate hits three per cent

Rising food prices, including that of milk cheese, eggs and vegetables, pushed the inflation rate in April to three per cent a year, the highest in 15 months. (NST May 22, 2008)

Unfortunately, these official statistics do not seem to convince Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi that MTUC’s proposal for a minimum wage deserves Government’s consideration. Prime Minister did not make any mention of the hardships faced by wage earners in his speech to the 10,000 workers who attended the Workers’ Day Celebration organized by the Ministry of Human Resources. Instead responding to reporters’ questions, Abdullah rudely dismissed MTUC’s request stating that “we have to seek the view of many people. This is important to me. But they should understand they can have 100 demonstrations, but if we can’t implement it, we can’t. It is as simple as that.”

He said “if we increase pay, prices of goods will go up. What is the point of increasing pay if prices go up?”

Prime Minister’s response shows clearly that he is oblivious to the hardship encountered by millions of workers.

Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi who repeatedly lectures public sector employees on the importance of delivery system has failed to realize that he does not practice what he is preaching.

Prime Minister has not even acknowledged MTUC’s seven page memorandum on minimum wage submitted on 18^th June 2007.

Dr. M’s resignation a cunning ploy?

Tun Dr Mahathir’s resignation from UMNO is a cunning ploy to divert the nation’s attention away from the Royal Commission’s findings and recommendation on the VK Lingam Video tape.

In the 22 years as Prime Minister Mahathir has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to excel in crisis situation – sometimes created to suit the occasion.

The report places Dr. M at the centre of the whole episode and has categorically held him responsible for failure to adhere to the constitutional provisions relating to the appointment of judges.

As always Dr. M’s strategy worked. Media headlines are now focused away from the Royal Commission’s recommendation and the follow up action that can lead to criminal prosecution against the villains involved.

Mahathir plays the race card. Dr. M lamented that the UMNO was no longer the same as that established 62 years ago. He seems to have forgotten that twenty years ago he had single-handedly destroyed the 62 year old UMNO. Having failed to convince UMNO members, in his desperation he is playing the race card.