Taking a closer look: Anwar viewing the architectural model of the Putrajaya Madani Residency housing project in Putrajaya during its launch. — Low Boon Tat/The Star
PUTRAJAYA: The move to raise the minimum wage to RM1,700 reflects the government’s political determination to help improve the people’s livelihood, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister, who described the decision as bold, said waiting for companies to decide on the matter would prevent progress.
“If I leave it to the companies, there would be no decision. It is impossible to reach one that way.
“So, I discussed it with my friends in the Cabinet.
“The country is doing well, investments are coming in significantly.
“A prosperous nation cannot afford to see this sort of treatment of our workers,” he said at the launch of Putrajaya Madani Residency housing project.
The Prime Minister said he hopes that companies would cooperate in implementing the new minimum wage when it takes effect.
When tabling Budget 2025 on Oct 18, Anwar announced that the national minimum wage will be increased to RM1,700 a month from RM1,500, with effect from Feb 1, 2025, for employers with five and more employees.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said efforts to help the people, especially those in need, would not lead to a government’s downfall.
“I have never read or seen in world history, whether in the history of Islamic civilisation, ancient China, India, Arab nations or Latin America, that a government collapsed because it spent a lot to help the poor.
“There has never been a record of any government losing power or falling because it helped the poor or raised wages fairly.
“Governments fall due to corruption, greed and because leaders hoard wealth that does not belong to them.
“That is what causes nations to crumble,” he said, Bernama reported.
Anwar said aside from raising the minimum wage, the government’s efforts to help the people also include the construction of affordable houses that could be owned by the middle- and lower- income groups.
“We want to see the people, including those in the targeted groups, have comfortable homes in a safe, healthy and prosperous environment,” he added.
Anwar wants housing developers to complete their projects according to schedule, while also giving priority to quality and standards.
“I hope no projects will be delayed, not even by three or six months, because that would just increase the pain of waiting for the house buyers.
“Developers must ensure proper monitoring and prompt implementation of projects.
“If there are issues regarding bureaucratic red tape, resolve them quickly,” he said.
Addressing criticisms that Budget 2025 lacks mega projects or iconic landmarks, the Prime Minister said, “For me, mega projects are people’s housing, stalls, quality school facilities and good healthcare.”
He said everyone must shift their mindset and embrace a new economic framework that is focused on fostering fresh and dynamic growth.
