Zainal relieved picket off, praises deputy's concern for workers
MTUC president Senator Zainal Rampak today lauded his deputy's decision to cancel the planned picket near the premise of the Transport Workers Union (TWU) in Petaling Jaya following the leadership crisis between them.
In a media statement to malaysiakini , the TWU general secretary commended Mohamed Shafie Mammal and said the decision was made "in the larger interest of sustaining workers' unity and solidarity".
Mohd Shafie had initially planned to lead the National Union of Telecoms Employees the trade union under him to stage a picket outside TWU building to protest against Zainal for failing to honour his word to step down.
In May last year, Zainal had promised him in a joint media statement to take over the MTUC presidency (at the end of the December) as a condition that Mohd Shafie does not contest the post at the congress election.
MTUC president Senator Zainal Rampak today lauded his deputy's decision to cancel the planned picket near the premise of the Transport Workers Union (TWU) in Petaling Jaya following the leadership crisis between them.
In a media statement to malaysiakini, the TWU general secretary commended Mohamed Shafie Mammal and said the decision was made "in the larger interest of sustaining workers' unity and solidarity".
Mohd Shafie had initially planned to lead the National Union of Telecoms Employees the trade union under him to stage a picket outside TWU building to protest against Zainal for failing to honour his word to step down.
In May last year, Zainal had promised him in a joint media statement to take over the MTUC presidency (at the end of the December) as a condition that Mohd Shafie does not contest the post at the congress election.
" I have known Mohd Shafie for more than two decades now, and have worked very closely with him on several issues involving the collective interest of Malaysian workers," said Zainal.
Genuine concern
"By this decision, Shafie has demonstrated his genuine concern for the well-being of the workers and has accorded over-riding priority to their collective interests over our personal involvement in the MTUC leadership issue.
"I acknowledge his sense of commitment for the cause of the workers," he added.
The MTUC president of 18 years also wished his deputy well on his pilgrimage to Mecca. Mohd Shafie is scheduled to depart for the haj on Jan 14.
"I look forward to meeting him on a one-to-one basis without interference from third parties to amicably resolve issues involving us upon his return from Mecca (on Feb 26)," Zainal added.
Yesterday, Mohd Shafie announced that his trade union will cancel the picket after considering Human Resources Minister Dr Fong Chan Onn's concern and apprehension over the matter.
He said the decision 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 Mohd Shafie.
