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This follows rumours that secretary-general G. Rajasekaran will not be contesting any posts at the Triennial Delegates Conference (TDC) on Dec 17-18.
<p>It is learnt that a "disillusioned" Rajasekaran had indicated to
some members that he plans to step down from the post which he has held for
the last 14 years, in light of recent developments within the movement.</p>
<p>Sources said the 66-year-old trade union stalwart is unhappy over the attitude
of some of its leaders who "can’t think beyond themselves".</p>
<p>"Of late, there appears to be too much political influence within the
union and Rajasekaran is also quite disillusioned with the dictatorial attitude
of some of its younger leaders, including those he had been grooming as the
second echelon of leaders for the movement.</p>
<p>"Although he has been saying that it’s time to make way for younger
leaders, we believe the real reason he wants to step down is because he is not
happy with the way things are being handled now.</p>
<p>"His departure would be a great loss to the trade union movement, especially
since there are several unsettled issues such as the call for minimum wages,
a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for the private sector and the ongoing amendments
to the Industrial Relations Act," the source said.</p>
<p>Another source said Rajasekaran’s "departure" would be premature
as none of the present congress leaders could match him in terms of experience
and knowledge in trade union matters.</p>
<p>Rajasekaran has been involved in the union movement since 1966.</p>
<p>"He also commands a lot of respect among senior government officials because
of his experience, knowledge and consultative approach.</p>
<p>"The majority of the MTUC affiliates also want him to stay on," he
added.</p>
<p>The source said with Rajasekaran’s departure, all posts, including that
of the president, are likely to be hotly contested at the congress.</p>
<p>It is rumoured that MTUC deputy president Shafiee B.P. Mamal may take on incumbent
Syed Shahir Syed Mahmud, who was Rajasekaran’s running mate in the last
conference, for the presidency.</p>
<p>When contacted, Rajasekaran said he had not made a decision.</p>
<p>"I have still not made up my mind whether to step down or go for another
term. I will make an announcement when the time comes."</p>
<p>At the 2004 congress, the Rajasekaran-Syed Shahir team defeated the team led
by MTUC strongman Zainal Rampak</p>
<p>It is learnt that while he may give up his MTUC post, Rajasekaran will remain
the general-secretary of the Metal Industry Employees Union.</p>
<p>Rajasekaran was the deputy secretary-general of the MTUC from 1982 until 1990
when he took on the late V. David for the post of secretary-general and lost.</p>
<p>He defeated David and former Cuepacs secretary-general A.H. Ponniah in the
contest for the same post in 1992.</p>
<p><i>Source: http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Sunday/National/20070902083704/Article/index_html</i>
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