Malaysia needs knowledgeable, highly-committed and disciplined workers to be a player in the global economy, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said at a gathering to mark Workers Day in Kuala Lumpur last night.

"Firm cooperation and support from employers and trade unions for the government to boost economic growth based on knowledge will pave the way for the country to stamp its name in the globalisation era," he told the rally at Stadium Putra in Bukit Jalil.

More than 10,000 private and public sector workers attended the event.

According to a Bernama report, Abdullah also praised Malaysian workers for possessing the necessary prerequisites and being capable of improving their knowledge and skills.

They are also capable of maintaining a harmonious industrial relations, he said.

On this year's theme, 'Together To Face Globalisation Challenges', the premier said it reflects Malaysia's liberal economy to close tripartite cooperation and support.

Good industrial relations

He was also quoted as saying that the country's success was due to the prevailing peace and safe environment, and to good planning and committed workers who help implement government policies.

"Foreign leaders and investors who meet me always ask how a small country like Malaysia can be so competitive.

"I tell them that it is all due to the good industrial relations between the employers and workers. Our success can be said to be the result of our workers' contribution.

"This is directed not only at workers but also officers and employers. This should be made a continuous effort for the good and the development of the nation," he said.

Abdullah emphasised the importance of enhancing one's capability for better remuneration and to promote a good image for the country.

He said every worker should strive to achieve a high work performance culture.

"If we practise this work culture, we will become a workforce that can compete with anyone," he said.

Foreign investors, he said, now acknowledged that Malaysia's products were of international standard and capable of competing with those from the developed world.

"The competition does not stop here, and if we can compete with the developed nations, we can become glorious and distinctive."

Resolve problems fast

The premier said the government valued the workers and would continue the measures to provide a better working environment in both the public and private sectors.

He noted that despite the success and the good employer-worker relations, there were problems that needed immediate attention.

"There are problems that we must resolve like the backlog of cases in the Industrial Court. Whatever it is, we must resolve it immediately."

Abdullah said priority must be given to resolving workers' problems and maintaining good industrial relations.

"The challenges of globalisation and liberalisation can be easily overcome with strong industrial relations."

He assured workers that the government would safeguard the country's interests in the face of challenges arising from globalisation, liberalisation and the World Trade Organisation.

Abdullah also said that the government will continue to provide additional training and job placements for the unemployed.

"I was told that 74 percent of graduates given additional training had found jobs. This is something inspiring that should be continued," he added.