The Malaysian Industrial Court (MPM) has made history by appointing its first woman from the Sikh community as Chairperson, alongside another experienced female Chairperson.
The MPM, established under the Industrial Relations Act 1967, serves as the sole body for adjudicating disputes related to dismissals, collective agreements, and company conflicts among employers, employees, and trade unions.
Under the Malaysian Strategic Framework MADANI (KSMM), one of the Minister of Human Resources’ Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) involves the reform of MPM, focusing on shortening trial process time, reducing backlogged cases, and enhancing facilities in both the Industrial Court and Labour Court.
To spearhead this reform, two highly experienced female Chairpersons, Chow Siew Lin and Pravin Kaur Jessy, have been appointed. Their extensive expertise in labor law positions them as pivotal figures in advancing the objectives of MPM’s reform agenda.
The appointments come in conjunction with International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024, signaling a commitment to recognizing and empowering women in the legal and judicial sectors.
KESUMA, acknowledging the significance of women’s roles, emphasised the importance of including women as decision-makers within MPM, aligning with their expertise and capabilities.
With the addition of these two Chairpersons, MPM’s leadership is now complete. It is anticipated that their appointment will streamline case handling processes and contribute to the prompt resolution of disputes within MPM.
The Minister of Human Resources expressed optimism regarding the appointments, underscoring the potential for these changes to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of MPM in delivering justice and resolving industrial disputes.
