Defend the poor, oppose IDEAS

WAN SAIFUL WAN JAN CHIEF EXECUTIVE (IDEAS)

Last week I left my job on a permanent basis because I felt that I wasn't earning enough for the amount of time I was putting in. Out of curiosity I googled "minimum wage Malaysia" I found out there isn't really a minimum wage in Malaysia even though there are plans to try and implement a minimum wage policy.

While browsing through the search results an article from the Malaysian Insider caught my eye. It was titled "Defend the poor, oppose minimum wage". It was written by Wan Saiful Wan Jan, the Chief Executive of the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) a Malaysian think-tank.

I was curious about the title because I always thought that a minimum wage would help the poor. By the time I finished the article I was furious. Furious enough to write about it in my blog.

AS the title suggests Wan Saiful isn't too keen on minimum wage. He starts off by complaining how the EPF hinders him from hiring extra staff because as an employer it would cost too much. He hints that a minimum wage would have the same effect on employers. And if employers were forced to pay a minimum wage, low skilled workers would either lose their jobs or have a difficult time finding a new one.

Clearly it never occurred to Wan Saiful that he as an employer could reduce his own salary to compensate for the increased cost of hiring new employees. But of course not. That would be stupid. Just screw the employees instead and whine about it and blame everyone else. I wonder what his salary is compared to that of a low skilled worker?

Wan Saiful goes on and discusses about the time he was studying in the UK. He worked as a part-time toilet cleaner. And when minimum wage was introduced he lost his job. And that's why minimum wage is BAD people. Because Wan Saiful got fired. Boohoo. Clearly someone has an axe to grind. I'm sorry he got fired. But I'm pretty sure all the other toilet cleaners who kept their jobs appreciated earning a minimum wage. And for all you know Wan Saiful might have been a crap toilet cleaner. And that's what go him fired. I wonder how Wan Saiful would feel about minimum wage if he was still a low paid toilet cleaner?

He then gets a little personal by mentioning his Uncle, Pak Andak, who works as a security guard. And he is even aware that security guards aren't paid much (bless him); his Uncle can't even afford a motorcycle.  What worries Wan Saiful the most is that if a minimum wage was introduced Pak Andak will lose his job. What strikes me the most is that Wan Saiful doesn't mind his Uncle being exploited by his employers. Or even consider the fact that a minimum wage might benefit Pak Andak.

In a different article from The Star Online another IDEAS henchman, a man by the name of Afif Abdullah commenting about minimum wage says that "It may raise income but there will be a minority who will lose jobs". Those good people at IDEAS don't seem to mind the fact that a MAJORITY of low-skilled workers are being exploited.

Afif Abdullah also believes that a minimum wage will attract youngsters to stop school. The attractive pay will lure them to work" he says. That is nothing but bullshit on an unprecedented scale. First of all youngsters don't want to do anything, let alone go and work. Do you think Afif's boss Wan Saiful would have dropped his studies in the UK to work minimum wage as a toilet cleaner? Hmm...I wonder how much Afif Abdullah makes for a living?

According to the Human Resources Ministry almost 34% of about 1.3 million workers earn less than RM700 per month, below the poverty line income (PLI) of RM720 per month. The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) is asking for a minimum monthly wage of RM1200 per month.

Consider the plight of Ms. Nazlina Maimun. She is a single mother and the sole provider for her family. As a factory worker she earns RM565 per month. With overtime she might earn RM750 per month. After working at the factory for 5 years she still hasn't had a raise despite repeatedly asking for one. At least RM300 of her salary goes to rent. Then there are the utilities and groceries and school. Sometimes her children don't eat at school.

I don't deny the fact that if a minimum wage was to be introduced some people will lose their jobs. But why are employers and professionals like Wan Saiful and his crony Afif Abdullah deciding on behalf of the low skilled workers that they don't deserve a minimum wage? Are these two pompous asses representative of people like Nazlina Maimun? Does Wan Saiful worry about his rent? Does Wan Saiful have to send his children to school without food? Minimum wage is about protecting the RIGHTS of EMPLOYEES.

Think of Nazlina Maimum who is struggling to make ends meet. Then decide if a minimum wage is needed.

Think of Pak Andak who cycles to work every evening because he can't afford a motorbike (I'm pretty sure Wan Saiful can afford a bike). Then decide if a minimum wage is needed.

For the sake of the poor, Malaysians should endorse a minimum wage policy.

 THIS is the guy who is defending the rights of the low skilled employees?! Clearly Wan Saiful doesn't need to worry about minimum wage....

Links:

The Star Online- Minimum wage

For balance you can always read Wan Saiful's opinions on minimum wage