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?
He also described claims that the formation of the Malaysian Islamic Labour
Organisation (PPIM) was a conspiracy to ‘weaken’ the MTUC as “disturbing”,
saying that it could disrupt harmony which could best be achieved through dialogues.
<p>However, Shahir told Malaysiakini in the MTUC office in Subang Jaya today that
he could not confirm if there was a conspiracy behind the proposed move to set
up PPIM.</p>
<p>“I feel that trade unions should not be based on ethnicity, race or religion
in the context of Malaysia. It will only give the picture that things are ‘cliquey’,”
he said.</p>
<p>Shahir explained that trade unions are composed of all races and the formation
of PPIM will segregate workers of other races</p>
<p>He said trade unions are the only organisations with a true multi-racial face
as compared to Malaysian political parties, the majority of which are race-based.</p>
<p>On the allegation that Deputy Human Resources Minister Abdul Rahman Bakar is
behind the formation of PPIM, Shahir said he would strongly condemn the ministry
if this was true.</p>
<p>“If the ministry is behind this, it will worsen the situation, not ameliorate
it”, he said.</p>
<p>Questioned on PPIM’s funding, Shahir responded, “if the government
is funding this organisation, then we know the ministry and Abdul Rahman are
behind it”</p>
<p><b>‘MTUC will not stutter’</b></p>
<p>“But MTUC will not be intimidated by such a move because it is already
guided by the values of all religions,” the union chief stressed.</p>
<p>“Our struggles are based not only on Islamic values, but also those of
other religions such as justice, fair wage and protection for female workers
and child labour,” he added.</p>
<p>Shahir also questioned the motive of those behind PPIM, asking why the need
to form another union if they share common aspirations.</p>
<p>“All religions demand justice, so why set up PPIM? Why can’t they
go through existing organisations?", he asked.</p>
<p>Shahir also felt that the formation of PPIM will falter citing a similar scenario
of a religion-based union.</p>
<p>“The World Confederation of Labour (WCL) was dominated by Christian-based
trade unions and it did not take long for the body to be dissolved,” he
said</p>
<p>“Upon its dissolution, the members integrated with the International Trade
Union Confederation and the body became bigger and stronger,” Shahir added.</p>
<p>The MTUC chief said that everyone in the workers’ movement should learn
from this and strive towards solidarity rather than disunity</p>
<p>PPIM, if approved by the Registrar Of Societies, will be the first religion-based
labour organisation in Malaysia.</p>
<p>Sources claimed that its formation is a government tactic to weaken MTUC due
to its alleged left wing leaning.</p>
<p>Former MTUC president Zainal Rampak (right) and Malaysian Airlines System Employees
Union (Maseu) secretary-general Mustafar Maarof are believed to be the main
players behind PPIM. They are said to be influential figures of the anti-Shahir
faction in MTUC.</p>
<p>Shahir defeated Zainal for the MTUC presidency in 2004.</p>
<p><i>Source: http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/72657</i>
Address: Wisma MTUC,10-5, Jalan USJ 9/5T, 47620 Subang Jaya,Selangor | Tel: 03-80242953 | Fax: 03-80243225 | Email: sgmtuc@gmail.com.com