Country’s Human Development Index up by 26% from 1990 to 2019

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s Human Development Index (HDI) made an impressive leap of 26% from 1990 to 2019, says Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar.

“Malaysia has posted an impressive performance from a mere 0.643 on the HDI in 1990 to 0.810 in 2019,” he said in his keynote speech at the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) National Conference 2023 here on Thursday (Sept 7).

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In 2020, Malaysia was positioned in the high classification group of countries that have achieved strong performance in health and education, he added.

“In 2021, the HDI has slightly decreased to 0.803 which, in the scheme of things, is reflective of the global trends caused by Covid-19, the (Russo-Ukrainian) war and climate change,” he said.

“Malaysia’s HDI is an annual global exercise which reflects the country’s attitude towards ensuring an inclusive environment for all across cultural and ethnic communities, geographies, political affinity and beliefs,” added Sivakumar.

Sivakumar added that it is important to establish an economy with a social purpose that includes a humanising, ethical and holistic understanding of people’s life situations.

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“This (unity) government is mindful of the (people’s) situation and one way to address this is to listen to what you have to say,” he said.

He commended the MEF on its collaboration with the International Labour Organisation to provide knowledge tools to employers on various issues.

“This is related to discrimination, sexual harassment and violence, and flexible work arrangements, and in the area of forced labour.

“It conveys a message of hope – that we are enhancing the capacity of both employers and employees to work in dignity, to become a more resilient, productive workforce ready to unleash its full potential in the world of work and beyond,” he said.

The MEF National Conference 2023 is a two-day event that aims to impart knowledge on the HR strategies adopted by industry leaders in meeting business challenges and ushering in a sustainable future.

It is attended by industry leaders including MEF president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman, former Bar Council president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan and former senator Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi.