KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 28 ― Social conflict may rear its head here if problems facing Malaysia’s working class with paltry incomes are not addressed, Opposition lawmaker Charles Santiago said today.
The Klang MP cited recent data from independent pollster Merdeka Center that found 15 per cent of Malaysians skipping a meal daily to make ends meet.
“We will have a social conflict in the country if we do not address the developing underclass,” Charles said during a press conference in Parliament.
He also warned that the underclass will make their presence felt with a “vengeance” if their concerns are not heard.
“In short, we see another Malaysia developing, a Malaysia that is poor and vulnerable. This is an emerging underclass, employed and in poverty.
“Doling out the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) is a short term, unsustainable strategy,” he said.
Charles urged the federal government to increase the minimum wage and living wage for Malaysians to address the problems.
