KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia intends to join the Global Coalition for Social Justice at the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC) next year.
The Human Resources Ministry in a statement on Tuesday (Oct 21) said the matter was revealed by its minister, Steven Sim Chee Keong, during a casual meeting with the Director-General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Gilbert F. Houngbo at a luncheon in the capital.
"The Global Coalition for Social Justice is an ILO initiative established since 2023 to strengthen global efforts towards universal social justice.
"Malaysia's participation is to demonstrate the country's commitment to continue to protect workers' rights, expand social protection nets and support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)," the statement said.
Also present at the meeting were government, worker and employer representatives, including Malaysian Employers' Federation president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman and Malaysian Trades Union Congress president Datuk Abdul Halim Mansor.
Also present were the deputy secretary-general of the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public Service Mohd Zool Asmani Mahmood and the ministry’s International Division secretary Raja Mohd Nizam Raja Kamarulbahrin.
This was Gilbert's first official visit to Malaysia and the meeting proceeded smoothly, reflecting the spirit of openness and friendship that has been the foundation of Malaysia-ILO relations for so long.
Gilbert is scheduled to attend the Global Skills Forum organised by HRD Corp on Oct 22 which is expected to be an important platform to strengthen regional cooperation in the skills development agenda and future jobs. – Bernama
