Embattled Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) president Senator Zainal Rampak claimed that the present 'misunderstanding' with his deputy over a transition of power is the culmination of numerous attempts to bring him down over the past 18 years.

The DAP-turned-Umno member who has been steering MTUC for almost two decades said his opponents should not make an issue out of the "non-binding" document he signed with Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal, dismissing it as without legal basis.

"I am well aware that some quarters are taking advantage of the situation to get rid of me for their own interests," said Zainal when contacted today.

"I just cannot give up my post as I have to abide by the (demands) of my voters who still need me. When they voted for me, they wanted me to be here for a full term and not for only a year, because they believe in me."

Prior to the MTUC triennial election last March, Zainal had made an agreement with Mohamed Shafie. In this, he had promised to serve only a third of a term, in return for Mohamed Shafie not contesting the top post.

Mohamed Shafie had instead contested for the post of deputy, according to the terms of what he described as a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between them.

Election strategy

Zainal, however, said it was common for candidates to come up with pacts as an election strategy. He also claimed that the document was not an MOU, but a joint press statement signed by the duo.

Asked to respond to Mohamed Shafie's claim that Zainal had used the strategy to avoid a contest for fear of losing, Zainal said he was free to say this now because the election is over.

"Such a statement is absolutely baseless. I want you to judge it yourself," he stressed.

Zainal also lambasted his rival for describing his action to remain at the helm as no longer credible, countering that it was Mohamed Shafie who has discredited the MTUC through numerous media statements.

Ready for meeting

On his supporters' demand that he should not take part in peace talks with Mohamed Shafie if secretary-general G Rajasekaran is involved, Zainal said he would have to respect their wish.

"I have no problem in meeting him (Mohamed Shafie) for the sake of the workers, but let the dust settle first. As I said before, the meeting will be held (later this month)," he explained.

However, Zainal said his deputy must be prepared to be rational or "there will be no solution and the situation will not improve".

Despite having been called names, including munafik (a Muslim who can't be trusted), Zainal maintained that he remained in good spirits.

The experienced unionist said he was more concerned with the workers' welfare than anything else, even though he may have to pay a heavy price for it.