KUALA LUMPUR – Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan issued a sharp rebuke to the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) following its last-minute call to delay the Gig Workers Act 2025, urging the organisation to “get their house in order.”
Speaking at a press conference hosted by the union’s Secretary-General yesterday, the minister drew attention to apparent divisions within the labour body.
“Why refer to the Secretary-General? Why not refer to the President?” Ramanan asked, pointing to contradictory positions between MTUC leaders.
Adding perspective to the disagreement, Deputy Secretary-General (Policy and International) Mohd Shaharin Umar stated that the MTUC President had supported the Act throughout the legislative process.
“For the whole year of 2024 to 2025, everyone was involved,” Shaharin said, noting that the MTUC President even attended Parliament to show support during the Act’s presentation.
The exchange highlights a notable communication breakdown within Malaysia’s largest labour organisation, even as the government continues with the full implementation of the Gig Workers Act 2025. – March 31, 2026