Cuepacs has set the record straight by pointing out that it has not sought to meet the Penang chief minister earlier, denying reports claiming the latter had cold-shouldered them.

At a meeting with CM Lim Guan Eng in Penang yesterday, state Cuepacs secretary Muhammad Yusof said that the union had issued a statement to correct the reports but the matter had not been publicised.

NONE Muhammad ( left ), however, said he was willing to take responsibility and take steps to correct the perception that Lim had refused to meet the union’s delegation.

He added that there must have been some confusion as the union had not even sent a letter asking for a meeting with Lim.

A letter had only been sent to the CM’s office on July 18, after which Lim had agreed to meet with the union delegation yesterday.

Muhammad clarified that a letter had, however, been sent to the state secretariat to request for a contribution to Cuepacs and not to seek a meeting with Lim.

“As the secretary for the state Cuepacs, I am willing to the take the responsibility for this. We have no intention of bringing trouble to anyone,” he told a press conference together with Lim in Komtar.

Penang to remain worker-friendly

Muhammad was referring to news reports on June 22 that Cuepacs had expressed regret at Lim’s alleged refusal to meet the union.

Allegations have also been made about the union not being consulted on workers’ issues since Pakatan Rakyat took over the state in 2008.

Meanwhile, Lim said the state government was always open to meetings with Cuepacs and other workers unions.

He said allegations saying he had given the union a cold reception should stop immediately.

“When we finally received the letter seeking a meeting with me, I obliged immediately,” said Lim.

He assured the delegation that the state government will remain friendly to workers and listed the various benefits that Penangites were enjoying out of the state’s coffers.

“We are also very concerned about those below the hardcore poverty line and are providing them with a contribution of RM600 cash,” he added.