KUALA LUMPUR: The country’s economic prosperity should be shared with everyone, especially to the workers who have contributed in building the country, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He also said that the workers' rights go beyond only increased wages, but also decent quality of health, education and housing.
“Our approach is not only on the increase of wages because we want this country to prosper, not only for the few, but for all.
“Without the cleaners... technicians, there won’t be success,” he said in his speech at the Labour Day Carnival 2025 at Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil here on Thursday (May 1).
His speech received thunderous applause from over 10,000 spectators comprising labour unions from the public and private sectors.
“We started with increasing the minimum wage. When we discussed this matter in the Cabinet, it was not easy as we received a lot of feedback and concerns from some employers.
“Some employers said that the production costs would increase and be burdensome, but until when would the condition of the workers remain the same?” he said.
Anwar called the rakyat to give the government the opportunity to further build the nation against all adversities.
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He added that the struggle of the workers goes beyond skin colour, region, race and religion.
“When we fight for workers' rights, we never talk about their race. We’re strong because of our unity, because we want change.
“The workers are the majority, who will decide who is the Prime Minister, his policy, they are the ones who will set the path for the country,” he said.
He also urged employers to share the profits and compensate their workers who had helped build the company’s performance.
"Yes, I want the company to make profits, but don't keep the profits to yourselves," he added.
Anwar also said that the Gig Workers Bill to further enhance the welfare of the workers will be tabled in the upcoming parliament’s sitting.
He also announced Kad Pekerja Madani, which would benefit over a million union members nationwide.
Cardholders would have access to up to 30% off discounts from over 100 companies, offering products and services.
Meanwhile, a one-stop centre combining several labour-related government agencies will also be established in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor to ensure accessibility.
Also present at the event were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, among other Cabinet members and senior government officers.
Anwar also delivered 14 awards in conjunction with the national-level Labour Day. Among them were National Employer Icon Awards (Anugerah Tokoh Pekerja), Best Employer, Best Union and Best Media Agency.
