Hisham's suspension not discussed in meeting as it was not vital, says Zahid

New Straits Times

01-07-2025

BANGI: The Umno Supreme Council meeting last night did not discuss Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein's suspension.
"The issue (Hishammuddin's suspension) was not discussed. The matter is not that important," said Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi after a roundtable session on the gig economy and industry.
When asked about Hishammuddin's latest video on social media, which hinted that he would unlikely appeal his six-year suspension from the party, Zahid said he had not watched the video.
"I haven't watched the video though I have been informed of it. When the time comes, I will bring the matter (Hishammuddin's suspension) to the Umno Supreme Council and let them decide," he said.
The Sembrong Umno division had previously proposed that Hishammuddin's suspension be lifted, in line with efforts to strengthen the party at all levels ahead of the next general election.
Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi had called on division leaders to focus on persuading Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein to appeal his own suspension.
Hishammuddin was suspended from Umno for six years, or two party election terms, effective Jan 27, 2023.
On the roundtable, Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister and chairman of the high-level committee (HLC) for the establishment of the Gig Economy Commission (SEGiM), said Malaysia was leading the way in drafting laws for the gig economy.
He said Malaysian Gig Economy Secretariat chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsuddin was currently in Switzerland to present how Malaysia drafted its Gig Workers Bill to the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
"There are a few countries that are amending their laws for the gig economy, but in Malaysia, we are drafting a new Act.
"Sharkar, who represents the Malaysian Gig Economy Secretariat, is in Geneva to present to the ILO, as they too want to learn from Malaysia's experience," he said.
He said the Gig Workers Bill, which is expected to be tabled in the next Parliamentary sitting, is a crucial step in introducing a social protection framework for over 1.12 million Malaysians involved in the sector.
He said the law would ensure fairness by balancing the welfare of gig workers with the efficiency and flexibility of digital platform operators.
"SEGiM will be placed under the Prime Minister's Department to ensure integrated policy coordination at the national level.
"MDEC will continue to serve as the technical secretariat, consolidating industry input and coordinating engagement sessions with the Human Resources Ministry, the Transport Ministry, and relevant agencies.
"Our goal is clear, which is to strike a balance between industry interests and the welfare of gig workers while positioning the gig economy as a key driver of a more just, responsive, and sustainable national digital economy.
"I am confident that with strong collaboration among all stakeholders, Malaysia can emerge as a leader in developing a resilient gig economy ecosystem centred on the wellbeing of its people," he said.
Zahid added that it is important for gig workers to not only have job opportunities, but also upskilling and reskilling opportunities. Hence, it is to be included in the National TVET Council's agenda.
"This is to provide a future for gig workers who want to transition into permanent employment or become self-employed entrepreneurs when techno-entrepreneurship training is provided by TVET institutions in collaboration with SEGiM and the Human Resources Ministry.
"The experience gained in the gig economy can help them to either gain employment or become entrepreneurs as a means to earn additional or stable income," he said.