KUALA LUMPUR – PAS Central Leadership Committee member Dr Azman Ibrahim has vehemently defended the party’s Islamic Early Childhood Education Centre (Pasti), asserting that it is not registered as a private preschool but rather an initiative by a party registered with the Registrar of Societies (RoS).
In a series of social media posts, Azman clarified the nature of Pasti, saying that it operates under PAS’ purview and involves party members.
“Pasti does not expect government assistance because it is a party matter,” the Jabi assemblyman said, stressing the separation between governmental affairs and party initiatives.
Moreover, he highlighted the voluntary nature of participation in Pasti.
“The status of party members with the party is not that of employees with employers.”
This assertion comes in response to recent scrutiny over allegations that Pasti is paying its staff below the minimum wage rate.
Pasti is a preschool education centre managed by the Pasti Department under PAS Youth Council’s purview.
Azman also underscored the broader involvement of party members in various PAS programmes – including Pasti – as part of their commitment to the party’s mission.
These statements by the PAS leadership come amid growing concerns raised by Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.
Sim, who addressed concerns over alleged violations of workers’ rights at Pasti and related institutions, stressed the impartiality of government investigations regardless of the entity under scrutiny.
The issue gained traction following a memo from the Peninsular Malaysia Manpower Department ordering statutory investigations on Pasti and other institutions associated with PAS as they alleged that staff are being paid below the RM1,500 minimum wage rate.
Sim reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding workers’ rights and ensuring fair treatment, regardless of the affiliations of the employers. He emphasised the need for stringent measures to address any violations promptly.
Earlier today, Sim called on all parties, including political ones, not to hinder, interfere with, or pressure civil servants in the course of carrying out their duties under any circumstances.
According to Bernama, Sim, who was met after the monthly gathering of the Human Resources Ministry here today, stated that if someone is confident they are innocent in any ongoing investigation, they need not worry.
He was addressing the claims by Alor Star MP Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden that Pasti is a voluntary organisation involving party members and does not involve an employer-worker relationship, thus it is not a business activity.
Sim expressed hope that the parties involved understand that when government departments initiate investigations, they are conducted impartially, without favour or pressure from any quarter.
“What we do is impartial – there is no discrimination, whether it’s a private company, government, or political party.
“We are firm that workers’ rights must be safeguarded, and workers deserve their wages, even foreign workers,” he emphasised.
“Our function is to uphold workers’ rights, and in this regard, I express gratitude to the Manpower department for taking the initiative to act on complaints,” he added. – March 21, 2024