KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 23): The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has declared its opposition to any policy or practice of basing wages on gender, asserting that employers should reward employees based on their contributions and performance.

In a statement on Thursday, MEF president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman called on all employers to immediately address and rectify any existing gender-based pay disparities as he highlighted the crucial role women have played in Malaysia’s progress and development.

“Women's contributions are indispensable and have been key to Malaysia’s cultural, economic, and social advancements. Malaysian women have held influential positions in politics, judiciary, and public administration, inspiring future generations to break gender based challenges,” Syed Hussain said.

He said women also play a vital role as primary caregivers, as he noted how their contributions to family development directly strengthen Malaysia's social fabric. 

“As such, MEF calls for appropriate policies and support systems to be urgently put in place to enable implementation of work-life balance practices for women employees that will in the long run strengthen their ability to contribute effectively both at home and at the workplace,” Syed Hussain said.

The MEF's statement came after Minister for Women, Family, and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri urged women to speak up to address the wage inequality they face, following the revelation by the Statistics Department that female graduates earn about RM900 less than their male counterparts despite holding similar academic qualifications. Nancy also highlighted that women often faced unique challenges such as balancing work while caring for children and the elderly and should not be discriminated against or undervalued.

Syed Hussain said elimination of gender-based pay is critical as Malaysia has ratified the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention on Equal Remuneration in 1997. 

A member of the ILO governing body representing employers, Syed Hussain said MEF is committed to see that private sector employers implement gender equality and fair compensation in the workplace.
 
“MEF strongly believes that promoting gender equality and ensuring women's active participation in all spheres is not just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage for Malaysia. By leveraging the talents, skills, and perspectives of women, the nation can achieve a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable future,” Syed Hussain concluded.