In 1976, the Labour Minister of Malaysia delivered a notable speech at the Malayan Council of Employers' Organisations (MCEO), encouraging the body to strengthen its role as a leading force for employers in the country. The Minister highlighted the importance of MCEO expanding its influence over all aspects of labour-management relations, with the aim of fostering industrial peace and harmony. He stressed the need for MCEO to be a central organisation capable of shaping practices in labour relations that would benefit the overall economic and social fabric of Malaysia. This speech reinforced the government's expectation for employers to play an active role in maintaining a stable and progressive business environment.