ISKANDAR PUTERI: Private firms and government-linked companies (GLCs) should emphasise the welfare and well-being of their employees, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Such an emphasis on workers' welfare workers will set Malaysia's economic development model apart from that of other countries, the Prime Minister said.
He added that the government was committed to ensuring that the people's welfare is protected in tandem with the country's economic development.
“Profitable companies, including private ones, should pay attention to reasonable wages and staff welfare such as health and housing. This should be emphasised.
“Employers in Malaysia must not (neglect) welfare and humanity, especially when it comes to their staff,” he said in his speech during a meeting with Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) top management and employees here on Thursday (Jan 11).
He added that Malaysia has the potential to become a developed country but the effort to achieve this must be made with full commitment, including fighting corruption.
"For that, employers need to excel and have resilience and be able to contribute to the people and the nation (so that it can) become a country that is respected and admired by the world,” he added.
Anwar said outdated practices such as abuse and taking advantage of position, accepting bribes, enriching oneself and other practices that cause Malaysia to lose out must be stopped.
"There should be no more (thought) when given a position... about enriching yourself and your wife and children.
"I know some people are not happy with our action against corruption, but this country must be free from it.
"If a billion ringgit is lost, the opportunity to build schools, homes, infrastructure, health centres and hospitals will be hampered because the money was stolen.
"Believe me, if you want to save the country, you must clean it up so that no leader steals the wealth of the people and the nation," he added.
