Warisan rejects one-stop labour centre
Published on: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Published on: Tue, Jun 10, 2025 Text Size: 'For over a decade, we've asked for real Sabah representation. Why is the Human Resource Ministry (Kesuma) afraid of letting us choose our own voice?' Wong asked. Kota Kinabalu: Warisan Vice President Datuk Junz Wong rejected the Federal Government's plan to set up a one-stop labour centre in Sabah, saying what the state truly needs is its own Human Resource Ministry. 'Sabah's labour issues are not due to a 20-year delay as claimed, that's misleading. Most local employers already adhere to peninsula standards.
Advertisement 'Full federal control of the Labour Department (JTK) could lead to overly harsh enforcement, harming local businesses,' he warned. He also criticised the lack of Sabah representation in the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC), saying Sabah-based associations had long been sidelined in favour of the West Malaysia-based MEF. 'For over a decade, we've asked for real Sabah representation. Why is the Human Resource Ministry (Kesuma) afraid of letting us choose our own voice?' he asked. He noted Sabah has nearly two million workers but no dedicated state HR Ministry, despite having the highest unemployment and lowest skilled labour rates in Malaysia. Junz questioned the legitimacy of the newly-formed Sabah Labour Advisory Council being co-chaired by both State and Federal representatives. 'If Kesuma is still steering, how is this a Sabah voice?' he asked. Calling for the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) to be respected, Wong said labour matters were federalised only with the condition of state consultation, a condition now often ignored. 'Sabah doesn't just want services. We want autonomy, equity and dignity. Until we are treated as equals, reforms will never feel complete,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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