KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 – There is a critical need for a renewed social contract that delivers social justice for everyone considering the challenges in this age of crises, said Minister of Human Resources Steven Sim Chee Keong.
Thus, he said the world needs a more humane growth model which develops the totality of a person and not diminishes their dignity.
“We need a new governance framework which empowers men and women, young and old, people with disabilities, of all race and religion, everyone; not one which further disenfranchises them. When we say disenfranchise, we must not imagine it is the actions of an undemocratic dictator somewhere else.
“The current growth model nationalises gains in the hands of the few superpowers, while imposing the burden of regulations, responsibilities, cost, and even lopsided morality upon the rest of the world. This is the systematic disenfranchisement which the world has to dismantle if we want to renew our social contract,” he said.
Sim said that in his speech during the plenary session of the 112th session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland on Wednesday.
He added that under the MADANI framework, Malaysia is pursuing new areas of growth, in high-tech sectors, artificial intelligence (AI), energy transition and the green economy.
He said last year Malaysia recorded a historic high in the value of new investments approved into the country.
“MADANI means the outcome of economic prosperity must include upholding human dignity. Which is why, in this 112th International Labour Conference, I am proud to represent Malaysia to ratify the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, C155.
“This coincides with the recent enforcement of an amended Occupational Safety and Health legislation in Malaysia which among others, expanded the coverage of occupational safety and health law from previously 10 sectors to now all economic sectors in our country. Our aspiration is that, every worker, after a workday, will be able to return home safely to their families and loved ones,” he said.
Sim also stressed that lifelong, accessible skills training should be recognised as a fundamental right.
He added that with the constantly evolving job landscape of the 21st century, such training is crucial for career advancement and transition.
“In less than two weeks, Malaysia will host a National Training Week, offering over 25,000 free skills courses to more than 200,000 people.
“We hope the ILO will continue prioritising lifelong learning and skills training to enhance workers’ lives globally,” he said.
