Is Wee trying to revive
political career, asks
Santiago
Former Klang MP Charles Santiago describes the MCA president’s opposition to foreign workers contributing to EPF as ‘populist’.
Santiago, who has been a vocal supporter of migrant rights, branded Wee’s call for the government to abandon said plans as “populist”.
Yesterday, Wee expressed concern that the move would raise labour costs and possibly increase inflation.
He also argued that it could see foreigners enjoy EPF’s yearly dividends.
In a statement today, Santiago asked: “Is this archaic thinking? Is Wee simply trying to revive his political career by making a populist statement?”
The former Klang MP said pension schemes offer invaluable social protection to millions of migrant workers in the country.
Making EPF deductions mandatory for them creates an equitable labour market in line with international standards, he said.
Santiago accused Wee of not wanting foreign workers to be treated fairly or enjoy the same incentives as Malaysians.
“What he overlooks is that many Malaysian workers abroad similarly benefit from fair social protection and portable benefits,” he said.
Santiago said while Malaysia has yet to ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, the Employment Act 1955 affords equal labour protection for migrant and Malaysian workers.
He said obligations under such conventions and local law cover the estimated 2.4 million documented workers from Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh and India.
Santiago said allowing EPF deductions is a move towards honouring the country’s pledge of ratifying key human rights instruments when it vied for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for 2022-2024.
“Wee needs to think carefully before making statements that undermine social protection for migrants,” he said.
Wakakaka...for once I agree with Charles Santiago.
ReplyDeleteThe transactional costs that employers incur to recruit foreign workers is a separate issue which should not be rolled into the Employer EPF contribution issue.
For the same position and same salary, there should be no legally allowed "saving" for an employer to hire a foreigner instead of a Malaysian.
The proposed 1.25% Employer contribution for foreign workers is still way below what it should rightly be - 12% or 13% for Malaysians, depending on their wage level.