Malaysia's Gig Workers Bill: A Step Backwards?
Despite claims of worker protection, the legislation may deepen Malaysia's dependence on foreign tech platforms whilst leaving gig workers trapped in precarious employment.
Malaysia's gig economy is closely tied to its semi-peripheral position in global capitalism, with the country relying heavily on foreign direct investment in high-tech sectors.
As an export-oriented country, Malaysia is highly dependent on foreign direct investment in its high-tech sectors, from semiconductors testing and assembly to AI and data centres and electric vehicles and batteries.
This reliance on foreign direct investment and global monopoly-finance capital reproduces Malaysia's semi-peripheral dependency, a concept first introduced by Amin (1976).
However, this legislation may ultimately entrench workers' dependency, rather than providing protection.
- High dependence on foreign tech platforms
- Precarious employment for gig workers
Author's summary: Legislation may harm gig workers.