The adage “Thai pirandhal vazhi pirakkum” (The arrival of the Thai month brings with it the promise of new beginnings) resonates deeply today. As this statement is being penned, a glimmer of hope emerges from Gaza, where both parties to the conflict have reportedly agreed to a ceasefire. While not a complete resolution, this development is a much-needed reprieve for a region scarred by war. This truce belongs to the over 40,000 innocent Palestinian civilians who lost their lives, and it ignites hope for renewed resistance against Israel and other imperialist forces.
Ponggal, traditionally a harvest festival, is also a day to honour labour and toil – the celebration of the working class. It is not just for farmers but for every worker striving over eight hours daily for societal advancement. However, a pressing question looms: Are workers in this nation receiving the recognition and benefits they rightfully deserve?
As we stand in 2025, Malaysia’s minimum wage has only risen from RM1,500 to RM1,700. This RM200 increment announced by the Prime Minister, though marginal, falls short of the RM300 increase implemented during Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri’s tenure as Prime Minister. What is disheartening, however, is that the discourse surrounding this adjustment has been largely confined to just two perspectives:
- A faction questioning the rationale behind the wage hike, criticizing the government’s decision.
- Another, attempting to portray this RM200 increment as proof of a labour-friendly administration.
Regrettably, no meaningful discussion has centred on whether this increase suffices for workers relying on minimum wage. According to the government’s own calculations, a worker requires RM2,444 as a living wage. In contrast, the Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM) proposed a minimum wage of RM2,000, backed by unions, while UNICEF advocated for RM2,100. These figures were dismissed, leaving workers with a tokenistic increment.
While workers’ wages remain a topic of concern, our nation’s food production stands in an even more precarious state. In 2023, Malaysia imported food worth RM75.54 billion. The government, seemingly indifferent, shows little interest in addressing this pressing issue. As we continue to rely heavily on imports, one must ask – are we truly supporting and empowering our small-scale farmers?
In the Prime Minister’s own parliamentary constituency, efforts are underway to displace numerous farmers from the very lands they cultivate. While the government claims to be focused on reducing expenditures, it is unclear how uprooting small-scale farmers, leaving their livelihoods in jeopardy aligns with or supports this goal.
Globally, fair wages for workers are often directly tied to the strength and effectiveness of labour unions in a country. Nations with higher unionized workforce rates tend to provide better wages. In contrast, Malaysia continues to maintain low wages year after year, largely due to the fact that less than 6% of workers are unionized. Although the government pledged to be committed to increasing this number, tangible action remains elusive. We would like to question what concrete actions, if any, have been implemented to enhance union participation, or at least to address this issue so far?
So, on this Ponggal, let us not merely celebrate the labourer’s hard work and express gratitude to nature, but also reflect on ways to address the exploitation poured onto workers and must also spark discussions on advocating for their justice. It is time to challenge the system where the demands of the working class and common people are secondary to those of the capitalist elites. With renewed hope, envisioning a government that truly represents the rights of the working class and ordinary people, let us celebrate Ponggal and step into the new year.
On behalf of the Socialist Party of Malaysia, we extend heartfelt Ponggal greetings to all.
Gandipan Nantha Gopalan
Central Committee Member,
Socialist Party of Malaysia