When Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his delegation left for Russia, there were cabinet ministers, politicians and cronies present at the airport to send the entourage off.

But what business does Cuepacs president N Sivasubramaniam has to be among the well-wishers? It was very disconcerting to see Siva, a unionist, mingling among the politicians. Was he lobbying for personal gains?

A union leader seeking cheap publicity and waiting to shake hands with the premier on his departure (and perhaps on his arrival too), makes one feel suspicious of his true allegiance. It is my contention that his appearing on television s waning bargaining power.

Siva must explain and justify his attendance, failing which he should resign to make way for a more trustworthy person to take over the reigns to maintain a better balance in the union-government relationship. Is Sivas behaviour the reason why the union has become so tame in its demands for members rights?