Employers want human resources emphasis in State Cabinet

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Employers Association (SEA) congratulates the official appointment of the State Cabinet with various portfolios.

“With the herald of new policy directions by the Federal government, SEA looks forward to the state of Sabah being aligned with the Federal government to propel the state's economy forward,” said its president, Yap Cheen Boon.

One such example is the creation of Ministry of Health and People's Wellbeing, seemingly in line with the Federal Ministry of Women's Affair and Welfare, he said.

“SEA however is concerned that there is still no dedicated ministry looking after the human resources matter in the state.

“Human resources (HR) covers a myriad of issues such as wage and salary, jobs and skills training, industrial dispute and settlement, collective bargaining, human resources funding and in particularly very relevant to Sabah: foreign labour,” Yap said.

"Sabah has its own labour law which albeit runs in essence concurrently with Malaysia labour law, is entirely separate with own legal jurisdiction. For example when a public holiday is announced by the Federal government, it needs gazette and announcement by the Sabah government in order to take effect.

“With such distinctively separated jurisdiction, it is crucial that there is dedicated attention paid on the full spectrum of human resources matters in the state," he pointed out in a statement yesterday.

Yap disclosed that SEA members are hunkering down for the various policy changes ahead.

With up to 50,000 business owners employing almost 1.9 million workers in the state, he said the common HR issues between employers and employees must be addressed in a balanced, inclusive manner; such crucial role cannot be undermined.

As such, he said SEA deems it important that the state government set up a separate, dedicated department if not ministry to look after these issues.

He said the immediate issue to resolve will be: was 10th and 11th May public holiday for Sabah? There is as yet no official gazette nor has announcement on such, thus created confusion amongst both business owners and employees, with financial repercussions.

"SEA hopes that the business owners' voices for dedicated attention be heard, as we are all ready to be on the bandwagon; to jointly contribute to bigger, more inclusive, fair-play, overall better state development ahead," he added.