THE nation's workers, whio make up the majority of the Malaysian population, have a critical role in deciding the country's leadership, including the Prime Minister and the direction of national policies, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Addressing the National Labour Day 2025 celebration at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil today, Anwar emphasised the importance of choosing a path rooted in honourable historical examples to drive Malaysia towards a brighter future.
"This country has a history of success, weakness, and even robbery," he said. "We must choose what is glorious. Choose to stop arrogant practices, the oppression of workers, greed—where companies make billions in profit but hesitate to increase salaries even by RM40."
Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, stressed that the most important objective is to boost worker performance while recognising their immense contribution to the nation's income.
He stated that such goals could only be achieved through governance guided by sound principles of good governance.
"I want companies to be profitable. The more they profit, the better for the country and for workers, and the higher the tax revenue. But do not profit alone. You profit because of the workers, so give them a fair share," he said.
Anwar reminded employers that workers deserve respect as they are the primary contributors to national development.
"My message to workers: believe that you understand the nation's journey. There are moments of pride, and there are dark chapters. Which will we choose?
"We choose the glorious. We choose to end the oppression of workers, to stop the greed. If raising salaries by RM40 is difficult, what kind of people (employers) are they?" he said.
He firmly asserted that the government prioritises the welfare of its people, including defending the rights of every worker.
"It’s not easy to get a Prime Minister who says this. It’s a blessing that cleaners, technicians, sales assistants—all workers—are given fair wages.
"Beyond the minimum wage, we are introducing a progressive wage policy. Some say we only talk," Anwar added.
In his address, Anwar also urged all workers to continue serving with sincerity and diligence for the shared development of the nation.
The Labour Day 2025 celebration also featured the Mega MYFutureJobs Career Expo, which began on Monday outside Axiata Arena.
The event offered 10,000 job opportunities from more than 150 employers nationwide. Also in attendance were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, along with Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong. - May 1, 2025
