SHAH ALAM, Sept 26 — The government will announce more decisive measures to ensure graduates secure jobs that match their qualifications and receive fair wages in Budget 2027, which will be tabled on October 9.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said they are in the final stage of preparing the budget and will formulate more concerted efforts to ensure wage increases are commensurate with graduates’ qualifications.
“I have previously conducted a study on increases in productivity and wages. Take South Korea, for example, where productivity is high, and wages have increased accordingly.
“In Malaysia, productivity continues to increase, but wages have increased only slightly. So, we have to use the government’s authority to apply some pressure,” he said.
Anwar was responding to a query about the government’s measures to ensure fair wages commensurate with graduates’ qualifications, during a question-and-answer session at the Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Alumni Gathering with the Prime Minister at UiTM's Dewan Agung Tuanku Canselor today.
Regarding management issues and weaknesses at UiTM Holdings Sdn Bhd, he said the matter needed to be studied before taking any action.
Reports related to the matter would also be addressed through cooperation among the UiTM vice-chancellor, the Higher Education Ministry, and the Prime Minister’s Department.
“Please look into UiTM Holdings and find ways to work together with the vice-chancellor and the Prime Minister’s Department. My office will provide the necessary cooperation and input.
“Let us not pass judgment now. Study the weaknesses first and rectify them, or change the people involved. We have changed dozens of agencies. But if there is indeed any wrongdoing, action must be taken,” Anwar said.
The Prime Minister noted that good governance is particularly important in Bumiputera agencies to ensure that they serve as an example to society.
“I am stricter with Bumiputera agencies. That is right, because they should set an example,” he said.
In 2023, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission investigated allegations of misappropriation that resulted in RM157 million in losses for UiTM Holdings Sdn Bhd.
The investigation focused on several issues, particularly involving funds and several investments made by UiTM Holdings that resulted in losses amounting to millions of ringgit.
