He was commenting on the TPPA’s current uncertainty due to US President-elect Donald Trump’s promise to scrap the TPPA, renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement and adopt a much tougher stance with Chinese trade.
“As TPPA is facing uncertainties and it is almost clear that the implementation in 2018 won’t take place as planned and negotiated, MTUC is looking forward to seeing reforms in the country’s labour laws.
“It is our hope that Malaysia will reform its labour laws to enhance protection for our workers,” Gopal said in a statement today.
Gopal said the government had already agreed to amend several labour laws, as well as the provisions and commitments highlighted in the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Declaration of 1998.
The eight law amendments highlighted so far, concerning provisions on forced labour and freedom of association, are as below:
- Employment Act 1955
- Trade Union Act 1959
- Child and Young Persons (Employment) Act 1966
- Passport Act 1966
- Industrial Relations Act 1967
- Sabah Labour Ordinance (Chapter 67)
- Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Chapter 76)
- Private Employment Agencies Act 1981
- Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990.
Gopal said long before the TPPA negotiations took place, MTUC had already requested the government to carry out labour law reforms to ensure a harmonious and stable working environment in the country.
“Whether TPPA will be implemented or not, MTUC hopes the government will reform the country’s labour laws,” Gopal said.
MTUC has previously been heavily critical of the TPPA, saying that it would only serve to harm Malaysian workers.