KUCHING: The amendments to the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (SLO) were the result of collaborative efforts by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Members of Parliament and the GPS government, said Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap.
“In essence, the amendments to the SLO pursued and secured through GPS clearly shows the consistency of GPS in fighting for the people of Sarawak and getting our rights back under the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
“These changes enable the Sarawak government to make labour regulations to protect the welfare and safety of workers in Sarawak,” he said in a statement today (Dec 15).
He urged the Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth (Dapsy) to refrain from seeking ‘cheap publicity’ and instead focus on serving the people sincerely, rather than claiming credit for GPS’ achievements.
Yap’s remarks came in response to an earlier statement by Dapsy Sarawak secretary George Lam, who claimed that the passage of the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Amendment) Bill 2024 signals GPS’ failure to safeguard Sarawakian interests during its decades in power.
Lam had credited the Democratic Action Party (DAP), as part of the unity government, for tabling and amending the ordinance within two years of being in office.
He also accused SUPP and GPS of being “out of touch” and ignoring grassroots needs.
In rebuttal, Yap highlighted key provisions in the amended ordinance that it now requires the federal government to consult the Sarawak government before making future amendments.
Additionally, the amendments allow for the delegation of powers to the Sarawak government to make regulations specific to the state.
“For the record, the Sarawak GPS cabinet approved amendments to the SLO in September 2021, to ensure compliance with international labour standards.
“The successful tabling of the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (SLO), particularly the new Section 130P incorporated in the amended Sarawak Labour Ordinance will protect the rights and interests of both workers and employers in the Sarawak,” he said.
