Speaking at a forum on contract workers, Edmund Terence Gomez said political funding was one of the root causes contract workers were being treated unfairly with less pay and no increments, allowances or other benefits, and endure worse conditions than their non-contract counterparts.

He explained that the practice of buying or rewarding political support, allegiance and nepotism had led to the awarding of contracts not based on professional qualifications but on financial support given by the businesses.

“The government awards these contracts to businesses and in return, when they make a profit, they make political donations to the government.

“We need political funding legislation to regulate the award of contracts. Businesses that give political donations should not be granted any government contracts.

“This proposed legislation should also make the award process more transparent, meaning that the public has the right to know whenever a contract is given or whenever the government receives political funds.”

Gomez added that the practice of awarding contracts to political cronies had resulted in unfair treatment towards contract workers.

“Businesses only care about making a profit. They don’t care about the rights and well-being of contract workers.

“The government can change this and make it right for contract workers, but there is no political will to do that.”

Further, he added that important sectors in the country such as education and health should not be privatised.

“How can you privatise health? If there is no other way, the government must set up an institute to overlook it.

“If the companies that won the contract do not perform well or refuse to take care of their workers, end the contract immediately.”