The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) is gearing up for a productive partnership with the newly appointed leadership of the Human Resources Ministry (Kesuma). This collaboration is set to drive forward practical and balanced labor policies, adapting to the dynamic landscape of economic and technological advancements. MEF President Datuk Dr. Syed Hussain Syed Husman expressed enthusiasm for working closely with the new leadership to address key labor market priorities. He emphasized the importance of Kesuma's role in ensuring labor policies remain adaptive, practical, and responsive to the needs of both employers and workers. Among MEF's key priorities are workforce upskilling and reskilling, the development of a National AI Workforce Framework, more predictable foreign workforce policies, including levy rationalization, productivity-linked wage setting, and strengthened occupational safety and health (OSH). Syed Hussain highlighted the need for the proposed National AI Workforce Framework to be developed in close consultation with industry and social partners, focusing on job redesign, skills mapping, reskilling pathways, ethical AI adoption, and transitional support for affected workers. MEF also advocates for stronger industry-driven skills development through enhanced collaboration between Kesuma, training providers, and employers, as well as better alignment of training programs with market needs. On foreign labor, Syed Hussain urged for a more transparent, predictable, and efficient policy framework, including a review of foreign worker levies. He emphasized the need for equitable and sector-sensitive levy structures that align with labor market realities while avoiding excessive cost pressures that could undermine business sustainability and competitiveness. Wage policies, according to MEF, should continue to be evidence-based and productivity-linked, taking into account economic conditions, business capacity, and sectoral differences. MEF expressed strong support for safer and healthier workplaces and encouraged the introduction of OSH incentives to assist employers, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises. The federation also extended its appreciation to the former human resources minister, Steven Sim Chee Keong, and former deputy minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad, for their efforts in introducing positive institutional reforms, strengthening labor market governance, and fostering constructive tripartite engagement. MEF looks forward to continued collaboration with the new minister and deputy minister to advance forward-looking labor policies that support productivity, competitiveness, decent work, and sustainable economic growth in Malaysia. Meanwhile, Simnow has changed portfolios to become the entrepreneur and cooperatives development minister, while Abdul Rahman Mohamad has been appointed as the deputy minister of energy transition and water transformation. Ramanan and Khairul Firdaus, previously serving as deputy minister of entrepreneur and cooperatives development and deputy minister of tourism, arts, and culture, respectively, are now part of the new leadership at Kesuma.
