KUCHING: The ongoing dialogues with the Sarawak government regarding amendments to the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (SLO) will enhance the relationship between unions and the state administration.
The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) chairman Zaidi Nasar said that the union has been engaging with the Immigration and Labour Management Unit (ILMU), Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Labour, Immigration & Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala, and Prime Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to address proposed amendments to the SLO and oversee their progress.
“During an Iftar session with MTUC Sarawak and Affiliate Unions Leaders on Thursday (Mar 21), the union leaders expressed their support for the ongoing engagements and discussions with the state government, acknowledging the benefits for both sides,” he told New Sarawak Tribune today (Mar 22).
Regarding the amendments to the SLO, Zaidi said these changes will safeguard the rights of Sarawakians and improve their competitive edge in labour and manpower opportunities.
“We are hopeful that the SLO amendments will receive approval in the upcoming Parliamentary session,” he added.
In a statement on Thursday, Gerawat responded to claims made by Andrew Lo, CEO of the Sarawak Bank Employees Union, regarding the state government’s alleged lack of action on the SLO amendments. Gerawat clarified that the state had proposed a provision requiring its consent for any future SLO amendments, aligning with its authority over non-resident worker entry and specific legislation such as Article 161E(4) of the Federal Constitution and Section 65 of the Immigration Act.
“This proposal has led to a series of discussions and engagements with the Human Resource Ministry in Putrajaya, as the ministry did not initially agree with the provision,” he said.
Gerawat added that the state has recently proposed an alternative provision to the ministry, necessitating prior consultation with the relevant state authority for any future amendments to the SLO.
“However, the final decision lies with Putrajaya and Parliament,” he added.
