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PETALING JAYA, Aug 31 (Bernama) — The much- awaited autobiography of the trade union icon – A. Ragunathan, 80, the former president of Cuepacs will be launched on Sept 2.
The 173-page book entitled “MY WAY” chronicles the development of three decades of industrial relations strategy in the country’s civil service from the 60s through to 90s.
It also details the various salary revisions and improvements in service conditions of the civil servants.
The organisor of the launching ceremony, Jayanthi Balaguru, who is also the Wanita Secretary General of Gerakan, told bernama today the ceremony, at the Lake Club Kuala Lumpur, would be witnessed by dignitaries including government ministers, top civil servants, captains of industries, political party heads and leaders from the trade union fraternity.
According to her, the book was also the story of Ragunathan who “sacrificed so much for his principles and often got into trouble for speaking the truth.”
Ragunathan, who was acclaimed as a “trade unionist par excellence” by former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, never flinched or wavered in his belief and worked hard for the betterment of civil servants “whom he loved so much”, said Jayanthi.
Ragunathan has been credited to have pioneered a new approach on negotiations with the government to obtain the best deal for civil servants during his 30 years in service.
The salary scales, pension benefits, housing loans and other perks now enjoyed by the civil servants were partly due to the firm stand taken by Ragunathan and his comrades in arms, the late T. Narendran, Datuk Jamaluddin Isa, Yahya Mohd. Ali, A.Rajaguru and other Cuepacs leaders.
Ragunathan was also reputed to have a “hot line” with Dr Mahathir which greatly helped solve many issues and ensured a harmonious industrial relation environment in the country. — BERNAMA
Source: Bernama
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