PUTRAJAYA: The Human Resources Ministry will recommend to the Palace to consider giving awards of appreciation to menial workers in the country.
Minister M. Kulasegaran said these ordinary workers were equivalent to those who received awards for contributing to the country.
“Normally, the honours and awards of appreciation are given to those who have contributed to the betterment of the country.
“I believe these low-skilled workers have also contributed to the nation such as toilet cleaners and so on.
“I hope the palace will consider this and honour their services to the country.
“This would also elevate their standards and probably see their salaries raised,” he added.
Last January, street sweeper Chan Mun Thye was awarded the Pingat Jasa Kebaktian (PJK) which was conferred in conjunction with the 71st birthday celebration of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir.
Chan had been a member of the City Centre Road Sweeper Unit of SWM Environment Sdn Bhd (SWM) for 16 years.
Kulasegaran was met after the handing over of Special Aid for Education for B40 children.
A total 195 ministry staff and workers, including cleaners and Rela workers, received funds for their children in preparation for school next year.
About 800 children are expected to benefit from the aid given today.
Meanwhile, on Malaysian Trades Union Congress’s (MTUC) move to meet the National Senate Council yesterday to persuade members of the Dewan Negara to vote against the Labour Laws Reform Bill, Kulasegaran said he didn’t mind going to the senate to fight for what wasright for the workers.
“There are about 12 amendments (which will be made under the Labour Laws Reform Bill) which will benefit the people, including provisions to allow for a multiplicity of unions for the same category at the same workplace.
“There is a monopoly now where only one union is allowed at workplace... that is what MTUC wants... why? If I am sacked from one party, I can’t jump to another? he asked.
Kulasegaran said there were 15.5 million workers in the country but only four to five per cent belong to any union.