Newly appointed Human Resources Minister R Ramanan has faced criticism for proposing that unemployed Indians be tapped to address labour shortages in certain sectors, instead of relying on foreign workers.
Urimai chairman P Ramasamy said Ramanan’s suggestion revealed a lack of understanding of labour economics and the social and economic realities faced by the Indian community.
He noted that positions in salons, goldsmith shops, and restaurants are typically low-skilled and poorly paid, producing what he described as “cheap and malleable labour.”
“Indians may be unskilled or unemployed, but as Malaysians, they deserve wages that can sustain a reasonable standard of living,” Ramasamy said in a Facebook post.
Ramanan was quoted by Scoop as saying he had received numerous messages highlighting shortages of Indian workers in restaurants, barbershops, and goldsmith shops.
“Instead of hiring foreign labour, why not train unemployed local Indians and place them in these industries? Why give these opportunities to foreigners when we have available local labour?” he asked.
Ramasamy countered that working-class Indians have long sought to escape poverty and underdevelopment by pursuing higher-growth jobs or entrepreneurial opportunities, only to face systemic barriers.
“Is Ramanan prepared to tackle the denial of business opportunities to Indians, particularly in the form of licences and permits? Why should Indians, as dignified citizens, be forced once again into low-skilled jobs?” he questioned.
