Angered that his boss Senator Zainal Rampak refused to step down as agreed, Malaysian Trades Union Congress deputy president Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal (photo) is expected to expose his alleged corrupt practices.

According to a source today, the disclosure at a press conference this Sunday will be on the alleged misappropriation of the congress' funds by the president.

"He (Mohamed Shafie) may have some knowledge on the misappropriation of funds committed by Zainal over his 20-year leadership which involves quite a substantial figure," said the source.

The source refused to elaborate on the matter but stressed that the president "is not a clean leader".

"The media must just wait for the big day, and he (Mohamed Shafie) is ready to drop a bomb on Zainal," he added.

In February, the president entered a pact with his deputy who heads the National Union of Telekom Malaysia Employees (Nute) prior to the congress' election in order to prevent him from mounting a challenge for the top post.

According to the agreement, Zainal was supposed to have step down by the end of this year and be succeeded by Mohamed Shafie.

However, the president said on Saturday that he will continue leading the congress until his term expires in 2004, claiming that union members wanted him to remain.

Deputy warned

In an Utusan Malaysia report today, Zainal warned his deputy not to play up the issue as it will aggravate the crisis.

The president was reacting to Mohamed Shafie's remark earlier that he will deliver a 'surprise' soon.

Zainal, who is also an Umno member, said such a move would affect his reputation as a respected union leader.

The daily also reported that a motion for a no-confidence vote would be tabled against Zainal during the MTUC general council meeting next month.

Contacted later today, Mohamed Shafie refused to comment on the 'surprise'.

"For the time being, I just want to see how the members react to Zainal's decision. To date, it seems that the support is in my favour," he said.

Zainal could not be reached for comment.

Avoid tussle

In a related development, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir advised the congress leaders to avoid a tussle as it could affect the members.

According to Bernama the premier said it was important that MTUC reached an amicable solution.

Asked to comment on the pact between the two union leaders, Mahathir said he had no views on the matter.

However, in an obvious reference to Zainal, the prime minister added: "But as far as I'm concerned, when I say I'm going to step down in October, you can take my word that I'm going to step down. What's the people's view (is), does not matter," he said.

Despite this, Mahathir declined to comment when asked if the matter involved the integrity of an individual.

He also said that he was not planning to meet the union leaders if the crisis prolonged as the congress was capable of resolving the matter.

MTUC is the nation's largest labour body with 230 affiliates.