Can Budget 2020 raise the minimum wage to a living wage?

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Budget 2020 Could Facilitate Minimum Wage Increase Towards a Living Wage

Budget 2020 presents an opportunity to gradually increase the minimum wage towards a decent living wage, with potential initial adjustments announced during the tabling of the budget. This aligns with the broader theme of "Shared Prosperity" and addresses concerns about the rising cost of living, particularly for lower-income groups.
Potential for Minimum Wage Adjustment

The upcoming Budget 2020 is seen as a platform where adjustments to the current minimum wage could be initiated. The expectation is that these changes would be implemented progressively, aiming to elevate the minimum wage to a level that reflects a decent living wage. Specific details regarding the amount of increase or the timeline for achieving a full living wage are not elaborated upon, but the sentiment is that the budget could signal the beginning of this process.
Addressing the Living Wage Concept

The concept of a "living wage" is highlighted as a key consideration for Budget 2020. While the article posits that the minimum wage could be raised to a decent living wage, it does not define what constitutes a living wage in specific monetary terms or provide a framework for its calculation. The implication is that such a definition and the necessary policy adjustments would be part of the government's considerations in formulating the budget.
Context of Shared Prosperity

The proposed minimum wage adjustment is framed within the larger objective of achieving "Shared Prosperity." This theme, central to the new Pakatan Harapan government's socio-economic thinking, aims to ensure that economic growth benefits all segments of society, particularly the lower 20 per cent of the population. Raising the minimum wage is viewed as a concrete step towards bridging income gaps and alleviating poverty, thereby contributing to a more equitable distribution of wealth.

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Can Budget 2020 raise the minimum wage to a living wage?

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