25/12/2025

THURSDAY | DEC 25, 2025

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King returns from UAE visit to strengthen bilateral ties

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has urged clearer guidelines, stronger public awareness and a practical approach to enforcement after domestic workers were left outside mandatory Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions, despite amendments to the EPF Act 1991. MEF president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman acknowledged the government’s efforts to protect domestic workers, including EPF policies, but stressed that effective implementation is essential, citing uneven awareness among household employers and the public. In March 2025, the EPF Act was amended to require contributions of 2% from employers and non PETALING JAYA: From Cabinet resignations and electoral setbacks to mounting inter-party friction, political developments throughout 2025 have revealed challenges within Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Madani government – even as the unity administration continues to hold. Despite a year marked by political turbulence, the government remains intact, underpinned by its comfortable numerical majority in Parliament and the continued fragmentation of the Opposition. Anwar has benefited from the lack of cohesion within Perikatan Nasional (PN), which has struggled to project itself as a credible alternative government. The coalition’s two largest components – Bersatu and PAS – have been unable to agree on a single prime ministerial candidate, putting forward instead leaders from their respective parties, highlighting internal differences. However, strains have not been confined to the Opposition. Within Pakatan Harapan (PH), fissures surfaced during PKR elections earlier this year. The contest culminated in the resignations of two senior Cabinet ministers – Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli (Economy) and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (Natural Resources, Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com JOHOR BAHRU: His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim returned home yesterday after a two-day special visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), during which he held talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Zayed Al Nahyan to strengthen bilateral ties and explore strategic cooperation. The hour-long meeting at Qasr Al Bahr Palace in Abu Dhabi focused on enhancing collaboration in economic investment, food security and defence matters, paving the way for a more forward-looking Malaysia UAE partnership. “The visit provided an opportunity to discuss ways to deepen our cooperation across Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

multiple sectors, including defence, investment and food security,” Sultan Ibrahim said in a post on his official Facebook page. The King’s visit, at the invitation of Sheikh Mohamed, also reinforced the mutual respect and shared interests between the two nations. Sultan Ibrahim returned to Malaysia yesterday, arriving at Senai International Airport at 9.20am, where he was welcomed by Johor State Secretary Datuk Asman Shah Abd Rahman, Comptroller of the Royal Household of Istana Negara Tan Sri Dr Azmi Rohani and Comptroller of the Royal Household of Johor Kol (Rtd) Datuk Mohamed Perang Musa. – Bernama

The King and Sheikh Mohamed Zayed during the special visit to the UAE on Tuesday at the Qasr Al Bahr Palace in Abu Dhabi. – PIC COURTESY OF SULTAN IBRAHIM SULTAN ISKANDAR FACEBOOK PAGE Unity govt weathers internal and opposition pressures

MCA was increasingly perceived as marginalised within BN, amid narratives urging the party either to exit the coalition or realign with PN. Despite this, MCA remained firm in staying within BN, even as it continued to be excluded from Cabinet representation since the formation of the Unity government. Within BN, questions over representation and influence were also raised by the MIC. Throughout the year, MIC leaders publicly expressed dissatisfaction over the party’s continued absence from the Cabinet and, at various points, indicated that the party was prepared to review its position within BN should its concerns remain unaddressed. Although these statements prompted speculation over a possible withdrawal from the coalition, MIC ultimately reaffirmed its commitment to BN and the Unity government, citing the importance of political stability and coalition cohesion. authorities. “Strengthening protection for domestic workers is vital, but laws alone are insufficient without effective communication, practical implementation and supportive enforcement,” Syed Hussain said. “A balanced approach that safeguards workers while enabling household employers to realistically understand and fulfil their obligations is critical to the success of government policy.” On Dec 23, Ramanan said a new bill to protect foreign domestic workers was unnecessary. He added that amendments to the EPF Act could formally recognise them as employees and provide mandatory protection, with additional safeguards through memoranda of understanding and the Lindung Worker scheme.

Zahid Hamidi, continued to project a close working relationship, dissenting voices within Umno grew increasingly audible. Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Salleh and Supreme Council member Datuk Puad Zarkashi openly criticised several government decisions and coalition arrangements, reflecting unease among sections of the party’s grassroots over Umno’s role within the government. The discontent intensified following public remarks by a PH leader welcoming the High Court’s decision to deny former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak house arrest. The reaction triggered a backlash from Umno factions still loyal to Najib, with calls for Umno and BN – which together hold 30 seats in the Dewan Rakyat – to reconsider their support for the Madani government. Complicating matters further were persistent tensions involving MCA and DAP. “While MEF is not opposed to reform, changes must be structured, phased and well-planned, with adequate consultation and transition periods,” Syed Hussain said. “Regulatory stability is crucial for employers to plan with confidence and focus on long-term sustainability.” He emphasised that the key issue is not whether protections fall within existing laws or a standalone act, but whether rights and obligations are clear, enforcement is appropriate for household settings, and overlapping legal requirements do not create confusion. MEF urged simplified guidelines for household employers, user friendly EPF processes, multilingual outreach programmes and better coordination between the EPF, Labour Department and immigration

o Anwar maintains stability despite resignations, Sabah setbacks and coalition unease

described by analysts as a wake-up call for Anwar’s administration. PH suffered a significant setback in the state, with DAP – arguably PH’s strongest component – losing all eight seats it contested, while PKR secured just one. Although PH’s Sabah ally, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) retained control of the state government, ensuring administrative continuity, the results exposed PH’s limited grassroots appeal in East Malaysia and raised questions over the coalition’s electoral strategy beyond Peninsular Malaysia. At the federal level, unease also simmered within Barisan Nasional (BN), a key pillar of the Unity government. While Anwar and his deputy, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad households may not fully understand the provisions, facing challenges including registration procedures, administrative systems designed for corporate employers and language or digital literacy barriers – particularly among elderly employers. While Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan has said existing labour law amendments could protect domestic workers if enforced effectively, MEF stressed that domestic work is a unique employment relationship that requires tailored regulation. Syed Hussain urged the government to moderate the pace of regulatory changes affecting employers, warning that the simultaneous introduction of multiple amendments has placed significant pressure on households and businesses alike.

Environment and Climate Change) – after both failed to defend their respective party posts. Both stepped down from their ministerial positions in June, citing the need to respect party mandates and uphold political accountability. Anwar’s decision not to immediately reshuffle the Cabinet following their departures, however, fuelled speculation over leadership calculations and unresolved internal dynamics within PH. While some observers viewed the delay as a strategic move aimed at maintaining stability amid political uncertainty, others interpreted it as reflecting lingering factional tensions, especially within PKR. Concerns over the Unity government’s standing were further heightened by the outcome of the 17th Sabah State Election, widely Malaysian employees for wages from October 2025, with the first payment due on Nov 15. However, domestic workers – both local and foreign – remain excluded. “As it stands, domestic employees are not covered by the mandatory contribution requirement under the amended Act. Their employment in private households continues to be treated differently from commercial employer-employee relationships.” Under current law, household employers are not obliged to contribute to EPF, while domestic workers may join voluntarily. They are generally not considered “employees” under the EPF Act unless employed by a registered business or specified employers listed in the Second Schedule and must formally notify the EPF Board to become members. Syed Hussain warned that many

Clarify EPF rules for domestic workers: MEF