"The reality of these proposals are about pay cuts, the consequences for the region will be disastrous and will result in skilled health workers being driven out of the region, taking money out of the local economy and deepening the healthcare postcode lottery, " she said.

BBC: Unions angry at health consortium's ideas for South West

Applications by employers for a coveted visa program that feeds skilled workers to U.S. technology companies, banks and other businesses are expected to exceed supply this year, a sign of the strengthening economy that means some employers will rely on a lottery to fill key positions.

WSJ: Employers Grab Skilled-Worker Visas

Net profit at Malaysia's biggest lottery operator grew by more than 25% over the past year, even as the country's economy hit the skids.

ECONOMIST: Betting on Asia��s poor