Why announce new minimum wages at Umno gathering, ask Nurul Izzah

SHAH ALAM - PKR's Nurul Izzah Anwar has questioned the prime minister for announcing the new minimum wages hike during Umno general assembly, stating such behavior was shocking as he should be the leader of all.

"You are a prime minister of Malaysia," said the Permatang Pauh MP at the Parliament lobby today.

She said the nation has been waiting for the announcement but "it seems unprecedented that it was announced during a party gathering."

According to National Wage Legislature 2011 (Act 732), a new minimum wage should be implemented at least once every two years.

"So it is a good start and it may be relevant for four years ago and I'm not saying we don't take into account the needs of employers, just contextually you have to be fair."

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that Malaysia will implement the RM1,500 minimum wage starting May 1 during his March 19 speech at the Umno General Assembly.