RECENTLY, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli posted a video on X that under the Progressive Wage Policy (PWP), the Madani government has come up with a guideline on the starting basic salaries for entry level employees based on their professions.

That in itself is a noble effort considering many Malaysians - including fresh graduates - feel that they are underpaid to the point that they could not cover their monthly expenses.

The Pandan MP had also directed Malaysians to refer to the guide and had even listed down the starting salaries of certain professions.

But one of the professions he listed down in his 1:41 video include “astrologers, fortune-tellers and related workers” which, according to the PWP guide are entitled to an entry-level salary of RM2,205.

First of all, why are professions who dabble in the metaphysical given official recognition in such an important government document?

Do we want to promote superstitions at a time when our neighbouring countries are embracing cutting-edge technology in the likes of artificial intelligence (AI)?

The PWP Guidebook is not just a reference material. If an employer of an entry level astrologer pays less than RM2,205 to the staff, the former can claim the difference from the government, subject to terms and conditions.

Put another way, taxpayers are potentially paying the partial salaries of those who gaze into crystal balls, read palms and balance chakras.

And how did the Economy Ministry derive the figures anyway? Why is the starting pay for astrologers, fortune-tellers and related workers less than fire-fighters (RM1,990)?

What kind of signals are we sending to our kids when those who literally risk lives and limbs are expected to earn less than those who tell you what colours to wear when Jupiter aligns with Mars?

It’s not just fire-fighters who are earning less than those who dabble in the occult. Others include accounting and book-keeping clerks (RM2,085), bricklayers and related workers (RM1,895), childcare workers (RM1,955), library clerks (RM1,910) and security guards (RM1,985).

By any account, it would not be difficult to see how these professions could add value to the economy and the nation’s long-term well-being. This is not to say that the likes of fortune tellers do not contribute to the nation. They cater to a very niche segment who turn to these professions to find solace or closures.

But do we really need to elevate “astrologers, fortune-tellers and related workers” higher than childcare workers or firemen?

It is time the bumbling Rafizi revisits the PWP. Because if our young start to covet the tarot cards more than the fireman’s helmet, the PKR deputy president himself should start updating his CV, knowing that his days in politics are over. - Aug 10, 2024

https://focusmalaysia.my/rafizis-progressive-wage-policy-when-astrologers-earn-more-than-life-risking-firefighters/