04/07/2025

FRIDAY | JULY 4, 2025

10 Weathering unemployment as a couple

everything you once hoped for, take a moment to reflect on what those original hopes were. It is possible that some of your expectations were unrealistic from the start. If that is the case, consider casting a new vision for your marriage – one grounded less in fairy tale ideals and more in real life. Build that vision on your individual and shared strengths and you may discover that your marriage can become even greater than you imagined. This article is contributed by Focus on the Family Malaysia, a non profit organisation dedicated to supporting and strengthening the family unit. Join dad and daughter date and make memories that will last a lifetime for you and your daughter (13-19 years). Register now at family.org.my/daddaughter. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

however, is whether their expectations were realistic to begin with. Marital bliss is a common dream when people are dating. It is hard to imagine ever feeling discontent with your partner or running out of things to talk about – conversations seem endless, stretching into the early hours of the morning. And disagreements? They hardly seem possible. But once you are married, those expectations usually hit a speed bump. Daily routines take over – work, bills and the week-in, week- out grind. In addition to that come the stressors: a job loss, the birth of a child or unexpected financial strain. Real life sets in, and slowly the dream that once felt so vivid begins to fade. Here is the truth: strong marriages are not built on lofty expectations but shaped through the everyday ups and downs, and the shared experiences that accumulate over the years. If your relationship is not

your marriage – that is the key. Somehow, in the midst of uncertainty, both of you have to stay focused on the most important goal of all: keeping your relationship intact – even making it stronger – until you get to the other side of this challenge. Whatever you do, in the midst of your spouse’s unemployment, make your marriage your top priority. Q: My wife and I have been married for several years but our life has not been what we envisioned – the road has been a lot tougher than we expected. We love each other but we are getting discouraged. Please advice. Focus on the Family Malaysia: Many couples struggle with the gap between the reality of their marriage and what they once dreamed it would be. What they often overlook,

UNDER ONE ROOF

Q: My husband recently lost his job and I am still working, so we are not destitute but it is tough on the whole family. Is there anything I should prioritise while he looks for a new position? Focus on the Family Malaysia: You have an important role in helping your spouse deal with the uncertainties ahead. So you have to stay calm and focused to the best of your ability, which can be a bit of a tightrope. If your husband is unemployed for weeks and months, it can feel like the search for a new job will never end but it is important not to let discouragement set in. Keep a healthy perspective and try to remember that, as difficult as this challenge is, it is only temporary.

One of the best things you can do as a couple is to keep life as normal as possible – maintain a routine, take life one day at a time and understand that there will be good days and bad. Also, do not overlook the value of staying engaged with the people closest to you. When life gets tough, it is easy to withdraw and isolate ourselves but those are the times that we need the love and support of our community, friends and family. Meanwhile, do not let your daily life become consumed by this situation. It is healthy to plan inexpensive activities that have no other purpose except to have fun. Go for a bike ride or a hike or have a picnic. It is a good opportunity to set aside your worries, even if just for a short time, and refresh yourself and

LETTERS letters@thesundaily.com

MEF calls for legal work rights for refugees, asylum seekers

THE Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) strongly supports the call to allow refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia to work formally under a well-regulated and safeguarded framework. Malaysia currently hosts over 185,000 refugees and asylum seekers, the majority of whom are of working age and physically able to contribute to the workforce. At present, refugees and

studies and regional data show that every legally employed refugee can generate value not only through labour output but also through increased consumption, tax contributions and entrepreneurship. 0 GDP growth: A joint study by the International Labour Organisation and UNHCR found that enabling refugees to work can raise a country’s GDP by up to 0.5% over time.

0 Labour force expansion: Granting 30% to 40% of refugees and asylum seekers access to formal employment could add between 55,000 and 75,000 workers to Malaysia’s labour force – boosting productivity and supporting sustained economic growth. Allowing refugees and asylum seekers access to formal employment will help reduce the risks of exploitation, underpayment and illegal hiring practices while promoting better governance and stronger labour compliance. Employers stand to benefit by addressing labour

“MEF believes that formalising employment for refugees will contribute significantly to Malaysia’s economy.

asylum seekers face legal and practical barriers to formal employment, despite having the skills, willingness and potential to contribute positively to the Malaysian economy. MEF believes that, if managed strategically and humanely, the integration of refugees and asylum seekers into the formal labour market will positively help address several pressing national challenges, particularly in sectors facing acute labour shortages such as agriculture, construction, manufacturing and care services.

Tengku Maimun’s unmatched contribution Appointed in May 2019, Tengku Maimun served as Malaysia’s chief justice for six years and two months, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and judicial excellence. – BERNAMAPIC

CONGRATULATIONS are in order for our eminent Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Che Mat as she concludes her mandated term with unwavering dedication, dignified decorum and distinguished service. Appointed in May 2019, Tengku Maimun served as Malaysia’s chief justice for six years and two months, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and judicial excellence. Her tenure was especially notable as she had the rare distinction of serving under four different prime ministers – an experience unmatched by any of her predecessors. Even more remarkable was her pivotal role in upholding the prison sentence and RM210 million fine imposed on a former prime minister – an extraordinary responsibility that few could imagine shouldering.

Tengku Maimun will long be remembered for her stellar contributions to the nation and her steadfast commitment to upholding the rule of law. Under her leadership, the judiciary regained the stature, significance and symbolic authority entrusted to it by our Constitution. If Parliament and the executive – supported by a responsible and constructive fourth estate – can adopt a more positive and less divisive approach, delivering effective, impartial and principled governance that the nation urgently needs, then Malaysia can look forward to greater peace, unity, prosperity and stability. Let us remain hopeful, even in the face of the complex and often perilous realities of politics. Datuk M. Santhananaban Former Ambassador

Tengku Maimun’s tenure was exceptional, defined by immense pressure and complexity. Yet, by all accounts, she rose to the challenge with unwavering strength, integrity and competence. She adumbrated and decided cases with fairness, finesse and forthrightness. Alongside her Federal Court colleagues, she played a key role in elevating the judiciary’s standing – upholding the principles of integrity, impartiality, transparency and public trust. Most significantly, under her leadership, the judiciary was able to regain and revitalise its role as the ultimate guardian of fundamental principles – inalienable rights, equality, private property and justice. As she relinquished her office, she did so having earned the deep respect and trust of the Malaysian people.

MEF believes that one of the ways to help revitalise the national economy is to grant refugees and asylum seekers registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Malaysia access to formal work. This will allow refugees and asylum seekers opportunities to recover from the disruptions of war, conflict and persecution in their home countries and contribute to the economic growth of Malaysia, with clear benefits to Malaysian businesses and consumers. Additionally, employers will also be able to tap into a ready and willing workforce already living in the country, saving time and costs related to recruitment, transport and accommodation of foreign workers. MEF believes that formalising employment for refugees will contribute significantly to Malaysia’s economy. The benefits include: 0 Economic contribution: International

shortages through a clear, transparent and accountable policy framework that: 0 Defines legal working status and permits; 0 Outlines employer obligations and worker rights; 0 Ensures proper vetting, matching and monitoring mechanisms; and 0 Integrates training and skills recognition to support productive job placements. MEF believes that the inclusion of refugees and asylum seekers into Malaysia’s formal workforce is a win-win strategy – one that will strengthen economic resilience, meet business needs and uphold Malaysia’s humanitarian commitments. MEF is ready to engage with relevant authorities and stakeholders to explore a phased and responsible approach towards implementing this initiative. Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman MEF President