MTUC crisis: Picket against Zainal called off
The Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) leadership feud between its two top leaders eased a little today when one of them announced that he was cancelling the planned picket outside the other's trade union headquarters.
MTUC deputy president Mohamed Shafie Mammal said in a statement that the decision was made after considering Human Resources Minister Dr Fong Chan Onn's concern and apprehension over the matter as reported in the media today.
He said the decision to cancel the picket which is supposed to be organised by the National Union of Telecoms Employee (NUTE) against Transport Workers Union (TWU) led by his opponent and MTUC president Senator Zainal Rampak was made after taking into account the interest of industrial harmony and credibility of the congress.
"This decision is being taken with a sense of responsibility and a desire not to affect the good relationship between TWU and NUTE," said Mohamed Shafie, who is NUTE president.
A key leader in the current MTUC feud, Mohamed Shafie Mammal, has called off the proposed picket against his opponent, Zainal Rampak, in the name of industrial harmony.
MTUC deputy president Mohamed Shafie Mammal said in a statement that the decision was made after considering Human Resources Minister Dr Fong Chan Onn's concern and apprehension over the matter as reported in the media today.
He said the decision to cancel the picket which is supposed to be organised by the National Union of Telecoms Employee (NUTE) against Transport Workers Union (TWU) led by his opponent and MTUC president Senator Zainal Rampak was made after taking into account the interest of industrial harmony and credibility of the congress.
"This decision is being taken with a sense of responsibility and a desire not to affect the good relationship between TWU and NUTE," said Mohamed Shafie, who is NUTE president.
The leadership tussle between the duo had split MTUC into two factions after its election last March. It took a turn for the worse when Zainal failed to honor his words to allow his deputy to take over the congress leadership as promised in a joint statement to the media.
The non-binding document stated that Zainal will vacate his position (as at last Dec 31) to be replaced by Mohamed Shafie on condition that the latter will not contest the MTUC presidency during the congress election.
Maintain relationship
The DAP-turned-Umno member who has been MTUC chief for the past 18 years said he has to serve out his term as he could not let down members who still wanted him to lead the union.
In his statement, Mohamed Shafie, however, stressed that his on-going crisis with Zainal should not affect the relationship between TWU and NUTE members.
"It essentially does not involve members of both trade unions," he said.
Mohamed Shafie also said that he would not be able to attend the "peace meeting" initiated by Cuepacs president N Siva Subramaniam on Jan 13 as he will be in Mecca to perform the haj from Jan 14 to Feb 26.
Zainal could not be reached for comment.
