By Syauqi Jamil
PETALING JAYA: Putrajaya’s call to increase the minimum wage to RM1,050 was made based on Malaysia’s current financial integrity.
Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today admitted that the government was aware of calls for the minimum wage to be increased to between RM1,500 and RM1,800.
However, such figure aren’t feasible based on the national financial situation, where Malaysia will lose its competitive edge should the minimum wage be increased any higher.
“We are in a difficult position. The (allocation) was available but was used to pay off debts with high interest. That is why we cannot increase government expenditures.
“We are also competing with other countries, if we increase it (minimum wage) too high, we will lose our competitive edge,” he said today in a conference after the Pakatan Harapan Presidential Council meeting earlier.
Subhead: Govt mulling to cap share at 10% in media companies to restructure media
Among other things, Mahathir also addressed the government’s attempt in restructuring media ownership by capping shareholders from political parties as well as other entities to no more than 10%.
Pointing out that such matters have yet to be decided upon, he said it is one of the ways to prevent media agencies from being manipulated by certain parties.
“We find that there are parties who wished to control the media for their own benefit. That’s why we are looking to reduce the control but we have yet to implement it,” he said.
Subhead: Najib’s alleged wrongdoings? Govt to manage one case at a time
Meanwhile, Mahathir also commented on an affidavit alleging two cheques worth RM9.5 million issued by former premier Najib Razak to lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah for leading the prosecution of Anwar Ibrahim in the Sodomy 2 case.
Mahathir said although Najib had done many wrong things but the government has to pick and choose which case they should be focusing on first.
“There’s already two charges against him. But there are many others. The investigation takes a long time, simply because we don’t get the full cooperation from the people who know the facts.
“Sometimes, it is difficult to get documents to back the allegations made,” said.
