Govt to announce firm measures to ensure fair wages in Budget 2027, says Anwar

SHAH ALAM, Sept 26 — The government will announce more decisive measures to ensure graduates secure jobs that match their qualifications and receive fair wages in Budget 2027, which will be tabled on October 9.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government was currently at the final stage of preparing the budget and would formulate more concerted efforts to ensure that wage increases were commensurate with graduates’ qualifications.

“I have previously conducted a study on increases in productivity and wages. Take South Korea, for example, particularly where productivity is high, and wages have also increased accordingly.

“In Malaysia, productivity continues to increase, but wages have increased only slightly. So, we have to use the government’s authority to apply some pressure,” he said.

He said this when asked about the government’s measures to address the issue of fair wages commensurate with graduates’ qualifications during a question-and-answer session at the UiTM Alumni Gathering with the Prime Minister at the university’s Dewan Agung Tuanku Canselor (DATC) here today.

Asked about management issues and weaknesses at UiTM Holdings Sdn Bhd, Anwar said the matter needed to be studied before taking any action.

He said reports related to the matter would also be given attention through cooperation between the UiTM vice-chancellor, the Ministry of Higher Education and the Prime Minister’s Department.

“Please look into UiTM Holdings and find ways to work together with the vice-chancellor and the Prime Minister’s Department. My office will provide the necessary cooperation and input.

“Let’s not pass judgment now. Study the weaknesses first and rectify them, or change the people involved. We have changed dozens of agencies. But if there is indeed any wrongdoing, action must be taken,” he said.

Anwar said good governance was particularly important in Bumiputera agencies to ensure that they served as an example to society.

“I am stricter with Bumiputera agencies. That is right, because they should set an example,” he said.

In 2023, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigated allegations of misappropriation that resulted in losses of RM157 million incurred by UiTM Holdings Sdn Bhd.

The MACC investigation focused on several issues, particularly involving funds and several investments made by UiTM Holdings that resulted in losses amounting to millions of ringgit. — Bernama