By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 21: Delayed amendments to the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (SLO) have resulted in disadvantages for Sarawak employees, preventing them from benefiting from the latest amendments to the Employment Act.
Highlighting this issue, Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen pointed out several disadvantages faced by Sarawak employees, including a lower threshold salary of RM2,500, longer working hours, and the absence of benefits such as the 7-day paternal leave and the 98-day maternal leave.
Chong criticised the delay in the proposed amendments to the Sarawak Labour Ordinance, attributing it to political maneuvers by the Sarawak government under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
“The reason given by Deputy Minister in Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala, was that the Sarawak government insisted that an additional provision be included, requiring consultation with the State government for future amendments,” Chong stated.
He emphasised that while political disagreements between the State and Federal governments could be addressed later, the immediate priority should be to provide Sarawak employees with better rights and protections.
“The GPS should get its priority right. The people’s rights and interest should take precedence over GPS’ political games,” Chong urged.
He called upon the Sarawak government to take immediate action to table, pass, and implement the latest amendment to the Sarawak Labour Ordinance, emphasising the need to cease political maneuvers and prioritise the rights of Sarawak employees.
Yesterday (March 20), Gerawat said SLO is a Federal law which only applies Sarawak but any amendments would require approval by Parliament and not in Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN). — DayakDaily
