CMNT_TITLE

1. The Committee notes the information contained in the report received in August 2004 indicating that Malaysia has set up a tripartite consultative committee known as the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC). Representatives on the NLAC include the Malaysian Employers’ Federation (MEF) and the Malayan Agricultural Producers’ Association (MAPA) as employer representatives; the Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) and the Congress of Employees in the Public and Civil Service (CUEPACS) as worker representatives; and various governmental ministries dealing with labour matters. The NLAC provides a mechanism for the Government to obtain advice through discussion on matters pertaining to industrial relations, labour, trade unions, terms and conditions of work and many other labour-related issues. The Government also indicates that it consults employers’ and workers’ organizations by means of written communications in the fulfilment of its obligations under the ILO Constitution and in compliance with Convention No. 144.

2. The Committee recalls the importance of first reports in enabling it to undertake its examination of the application of ratified Conventions. It therefore requests the Government to make a special effort when preparing its next report and to provide, in respect of Articles 4, 5 and 6 of the Convention, all the information required by the report form. It would therefore appreciate receiving details on the manner in which the representative organizations are assured the right of freedom of association (Articles 1 and 3, paragraph 1, of the Convention) and particulars of the consultations held by the NLAC on the matters set out in Article 5, paragraph 1, including the nature of the recommendations made as a result of the consultations. Please also specify the matters covered by the Convention for which written consultations have been held and indicate whether those involved in the consultation procedures have agreed that such communications are appropriate and sufficient.