I REFER to the recent statement by the the Public Services Department (PSD) Director-General urging civil servants to contribute ideas to ensure the success of Malaysia’s Asean Chairmanship.
As a trade unionist, I would like to propose a significant initiative. The Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR) should take the lead in mobilising trade unions and relevant stakeholders to organise a series of forums, seminars, workshops, and conferences across Malaysia—both in Peninsular and East Malaysia—in conjunction with Malaysia’s role as Asean Chair.
Key organisations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), International Trade Union Confederation Asia Pacific (ITUC-AP), Asean Trade Union Council (ATUC), Asean Forum on Migrant Labour, and Global Union Federations (GUFs) could contribute valuable insights and strategies to address the concerns of the 700 million people across the 11 Asean nations.
Malaysia has an added advantage, as several international and regional labor organisations already have a presence in the country.
MOHR should engage tripartite entities—government, employers, and workers’ representatives—along with relevant NGOs, to align Malaysia’s efforts with broader regional and global initiatives for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
This initiative would not only benefit Malaysia’s economy but also enhance the country’s international reputation as a labour organisation-friendly nation, reinforcing its leadership within ASEAN. – February 1, 2025
A. Balasubramaniam is Vice President of the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC)