Malaysia is one of Asia's biggest employers of foreign labour. But recently, cases of deaths, abuse and forced labour have come to light. What is going on? Who is protecting these migrant workers?
What transpired is unknown. The five representatives did not attend a press
conference held by Fong after the meet. The latter declined to comment on the
matter.
<p>Led by Railwaymen Union of Malaya (RUM) president Abdul Razak Hassan, the representatives
included RUM secretary-general Jaafar Alias, Union of Beverage Industry Workers
president Awang Ibrahim, Resort World Employees Union president Robert Vijendran
and Perodua Worker’s Union president Mohd Khair Mansor.</p>
<p>According to reports, Razak is said to be seeking the formation of the Malaysian
National Workers Organisation (MNWO) due to MTUC’s “weak and ineffective”
leadership and to “change the face of unionism” in the country.</p>
<p>Razak was reported to have said the matter would be discussed with the Registrar
of Societies and that they have garnered the support of at least 20 unions presently
affiliated with MTUC.</p>
<p>Transport Workers Union, led by former MTUC president Zainal Rampak, has also
pledged support to the MNWO.</p>
<p>The 20 unions were reportedly sympathetic towards Zainal, who was ousted after
19 years at MTUC’s helm by Syed Sharir Syed Mohamud in December 2004.</p>
<p><b>‘One big family’</b></p>
<p>Fong declined to comment when asked if he supported the formation of the MNWO
but reiterated his call for the MTUC to resolve the matter peacefully.</p>
<p>“The MTUC is like one big family and should be united to serve as an umbrella
body (for labour unions) and take care of all workers. I appeal to all parties
to resolve their difference in opinions amicably,” he said.</p>
<p>At the press conference, the minister also emphasised that the MTUC must accept
the government’s decision to raise fuel prices across the board by 30 sen.</p>
<p>“They must accept that the petrol hike as a reality. This should not be
made into a trade dispute between the MTUC, the government and the Malaysian
Employers Federation (MEF),” said Fong.</p>
<p>Fong also formally announced that he would chair a tripartite task force conciliatory
committee which will see the inclusion of MTUC and the MEF to study suggestions
by the two organisations in tackling problems arising from rising fuel costs.</p>
<p>Presently, the MTUC is preparing a memorandum outlining the effects of the
oil price hike with recommendations on how to reduce the financial burden of
ordinary citizens.</p>
<p>The memorandum will be submitted to the prime minister on March 27. The umbrella
body will also lead a ‘people’s gathering’ at the KLCC in Kuala
Lumpur on March 26 at 10am.
Address: Wisma MTUC,10-5, Jalan USJ 9/5T, 47620 Subang Jaya,Selangor | Tel: 03-80242953 | Fax: 03-80243225 | Email: sgmtuc@gmail.com.com