New Islamic-based union is divisive: MTUC chief
Syed Jaymal Zahiid (Malaysiakini)
Sep 20, 07 – The move to form an Islamic-based labour organisation has been viewed as divisive and counter-productive to the workers’ struggle by Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) president Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud.
He also described claims that the formation of the Malaysian Islamic Labour Organisation (PPIM) was a conspiracy to ‘weaken’ the MTUC as “disturbing”, saying that it could disrupt harmony which could best be achieved through dialogues.
However, Shahir told Malaysiakini in the MTUC office in Subang Jaya today that he could not confirm if there was a conspiracy behind the proposed move to set up PPIM.
“I feel that trade unions should not be based on ethnicity, race or religion in the context of Malaysia. It will only give the picture that things are ‘cliquey’,” he said.
Shahir explained that trade unions are composed of all races and the formation of PPIM will segregate workers of other races
He said trade unions are the only organisations with a true multi-racial face as compared to Malaysian political parties, the majority of which are race-based.
On the allegation that Deputy Human Resources Minister Abdul Rahman Bakar is behind the formation of PPIM, Shahir said he would strongly condemn the ministry if this was true.
“If the ministry is behind this, it will worsen the situation, not ameliorate it”, he said.
Questioned on PPIM’s funding, Shahir responded, “if the government is funding this organisation, then we know the ministry and Abdul Rahman are behind it”
‘MTUC will not stutter’
“But MTUC will not be intimidated by such a move because it is already guided by the values of all religions,” the union chief stressed.
“Our struggles are based not only on Islamic values, but also those of other religions such as justice, fair wage and protection for female workers and child labour,” he added.
Shahir also questioned the motive of those behind PPIM, asking why the need to form another union if they share common aspirations.
“All religions demand justice, so why set up PPIM? Why can’t they go through existing organisations?”, he asked.
Shahir also felt that the formation of PPIM will falter citing a similar scenario of a religion-based union.
“The World Confederation of Labour (WCL) was dominated by Christian-based trade unions and it did not take long for the body to be dissolved,” he said
“Upon its dissolution, the members integrated with the International Trade Union Confederation and the body became bigger and stronger,” Shahir added.
The MTUC chief said that everyone in the workers’ movement should learn from this and strive towards solidarity rather than disunity
PPIM, if approved by the Registrar Of Societies, will be the first religion-based labour organisation in Malaysia.
Sources claimed that its formation is a government tactic to weaken MTUC due to its alleged left wing leaning.
Former MTUC president Zainal Rampak (right) and Malaysian Airlines System Employees Union (Maseu) secretary-general Mustafar Maarof are believed to be the main players behind PPIM. They are said to be influential figures of the anti-Shahir faction in MTUC.
Shahir defeated Zainal for the MTUC presidency in 2004.
