KUALA LUMPUR: A former member of Parliament has criticised MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong for opposing the government's plan to require foreign workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund.
Charles Santiago, the former Klang MP, said he was "disgusted" with Wee's remarks, saying pension schemes like the EPF offered invaluable social protection to workers.
The DAP man said many Malaysians working abroad would also benefit from such schemes.
"He alleges that, unlike Singapore, we want to focus on the welfare of people who have come to do back-breaking jobs so their families back home can afford decent meals, healthcare and education," Santiago said in a statement.
"Is this an archaic thought pattern or is Wee simply trying to revive his political career by making a populist statement?"
Santiago said the 2007 Asean Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers makes it mandatory for member countries to strengthen protection for foreign workers.
"To ensure a fairer employment system, the Declaration on Portability of Social Security Benefits for Migrant Workers was introduced two years back to enable migrant workers to transfer their social security benefits across Asean member states.
"While Malaysia has yet to ratify the International Convention on The Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, our Employment Act affords equal labour protection for migrant and Malaysian workers."
Santiago said allowing migrant workers to contribute towards the EPF would align with Malaysia's pledge to ratify key human rights instruments when it was vying for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council for 2022-2024.
He also said if Malaysia aligns with international frameworks, it would enhance the country's attractiveness to foreign investors and foster economic resilience.
"So, Wee needs to think carefully before making statements that undermine social protection for migrants.
"And he must be told that pitting migrant workers against Malaysians to score quick brownie points for political longevity is vile."