the blogging syed shahir

NSTP Online 31 Jul 08

MALACCA: Cuepacs and MTUC are concerned over the impending bus fare increase.

The Malaysian Trades Union Congress has asked the government not to allow an increase, while Cuepacs is happy that there will not be a 100 per cent hike.

Cuepacs president Omar Osman said the increase in bus fares during the festive season would affect people in the low income bracket.

MTUC president Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud said the timing of the fare increase was wrong.

“Hari Raya is a time when families get together and such hikes would dampen the mood of the people,” he said.
Both Syed Shahir and Omar also called on the government to do more for the low-income group.

Omar said the government should monitor the prices of food in the weeks leading up to Hari Raya.

He said this during a press conference after officiating Universiti Teknikal Malaysia, Malacca Academic Officers Association’s second annual general meeting here.

The Star Wednesday June 25, 2008

PETALING JAYA: The Government should urge the private sector to give cost of living allowances to its employees now that the fuel prices have gone up by 41%, said the MTUC.

“There are over seven million private sector workers and they need to make ends meet now that the cost of consumer goods has also gone up,’’ said MTUC president Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud.

“They need additional income in times like this,’’ he said. “We want the Government to urge employers to consider the workers’ needs.”

By JANE RITIKOS

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government cannot introduce the minimum wage now as demanded by the Malaysian Trade Union Congress for fear that it will cause inflation, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.

The Prime Minister said that it was not because the Government was uncaring but pointed out that the minimum wage was “something that had to be carefully assessed”.

New plan: Abdullah holding up the Malaysian Masterplan On Training and Working Skills Development at Stadium Putra Saturday. With him are Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam (second from left) and his deputy Datuk Noraini Ahmad. — Bernama

“I don’t know why they would want to use that approach as if we are not caring,” he said to a report that the MTUC would picket in Parliament on Wednesday to pressure the Government to implement its proposed RM900 minimum wage and RM300 cost of living allowance for workers.

Abdullah, however, stressed that the Economic Planning Unit was already considering MTUC’s request.

“We have no reason to delay it unnecessarily but this is an issue that has to be carefully thought out,” he said.

“ Not simply to say ‘okay, okay okay’ (to the request).

“We are not politicians making populist announcements,” he told reporters after attending the Workers’ Day celebration organised by the Human Resources Ministry.

Abdullah said that the Government also had to act responsibly in managing the economy and would only implement what was good and feasible.

“But if we have some doubts about introducing it now, naturally we cannot do it,” he said, adding that the Government also had to seek the views of other quarters on the matter and hoped the MTUC understood that.

“They can have a 100 demonstrations but if we can’t, we can’t.

“It is as simple as that. If we can, we give,” the Prime Minister said.

Abdullah said that he would certainly want the people to be happy and have higher wages but the Government had to be responsible to others too.

He pointed out that higher wages would also cause inflation and goods would be sold at higher prices.

“What is the meaning of giving additional pay if tomorrow we have to use our extra money to pay for higher priced goods?

“We need money for other things too.

“That’s my sincere feeling on this and I hope people will understand. That’s not the way to get things done,” he said.

Meanwhile at the celebration held at Stadium Putra, the Prime Minister also launched the Malaysian Masterplan On Training and Working Skills Development to provide a platform for capacity development by producing first-class human capital.

May 3, 2008

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) — Malaysia’s prime minister is not yet prepared to introduce a minimum monthly wage despite mounting pressure from trade unions amid inflationary fears, reports said Sunday.

The country’s top union chief on Thursday called for pay of at least 1,200 ringgit (379 dollars) to help workers cope with soaring food and fuel prices.

Malaysian Trades Union Congress president Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud said unionists would picket outside Parliament this Wednesday to pressure the Government to implement the plan.

But Priime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi hit back Sunday.

“They can have 100 demonstrations but if we can’t, we can’t,” he told state news agency Bernama, referring to demands for the minimum wage.

“If it is good, of course we will do it. But if we have some doubt about introducing it now, we cannot do it. What is the meaning of giving additional pay if tomorrow we have to use our extra money to pay for higher priced goods?” he said.

Earlier this week, Abdullah said Malaysia could no longer rely on its cheap labour to attract investors and should focus instead on creating a higher quality and better educated local workforce to fight off regional competition.

However, soaring global oil and food prices have caused major inflationary pressures in the country while severely affecting the cost of living for lower-income groups.

Syed said using inflation was a poor reason for refusing the minimum wage.

“This is a weak argument. Are you saying that it doesn’t matter that people are suffering as long as it doesn’t affect inflation?” he told the Star daily.

“If they say higher salaries will cause inflation, what about last year when civil servants received a pay rise between 7.5 and 40 percent?” he was quoted as saying by the paper.

Radio Australia

Pressure is mounting on Malaysia’s prime minister to introduce a minimum monthly wage.

The country’s top union chief has called for the minimum wage to be set at $US379 to help workers cope with soaring food and fuel prices.

The Malaysian Trades Union Congress president, Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud, says unionists will picket outside parliament this Wednesday to pressure the Government to implement the plan.

Premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is resisting the pressure, saying he still has doubts about introducing a minimum wage system in the current climate.

Malaysia is one of Asia’s largest importers of cheap foreign labour and has about 2.3 million workers from Indonesia, Bangladesh, India and elsewhere to clean homes, construct buildings and gather crops.

KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Malaysia’s largest labour union staged a rally Wednesday outside Parliament to call for the introduction of a minimum wage to help low-paid workers cope with rising living costs.

Some 150 members of the Malaysian Trades Union Congress chanted “Long live workers'’ as they demanded a minimum wage of 900 ringgit (US$285; euro184) a month and an additional 300 ringgit (US$95; euro61) as a “cost of living allowance,'’ a benefit currently reserved for public sector workers.

“It’s very important. The cost of living is hiking up,'’ said MTUC Vice President Mustafar Maarof. “The people cannot cope.'’

The MTUC estimates that 40 percent of Malaysia’s nearly 10 million private-sector employees earn less than 700 ringgit (US$222; euro143) a month. Most work at plantations or factories.

It says plantation workers are among the worst paid, with some earning monthly salaries of less than 400 ringgit (US$126; euro81).

Last week, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi rejected calls for a minimum wage system, saying his government would need to study it amid inflationary pressure and a slowing economy.

Mustafar said the MTUC, which represents some 500,000 workers, was disappointed with the government’s stance but would not give up its campaign. The protesters delivered a statement to a member of Parliament and dispersed after 90 minutes.

Complaints over the rising cost of living contributed to the ruling coalition’s poor performance in March elections, when it lost its two-thirds majority in Parliament.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 (ES) - The government should seriously consider the workers’ demand for minimum wages to be legislated in view of the rising costs of living including the rising price of staple foodstuff.

Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS) information chief Mahfuz Omar said it was “unreasonable” for anyone to have a salary lower than the RM900 proposed by the Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) especially in high profit sectors.

“Workers have to face increasing costs of living and it is unacceptable to oppress the working class at a time when even the price of rice is on the rise,” Mahfuz who is also Pokok Sena parliamentary member said.

He said this when met at the parliamentary lobby today. He was asked to comment on the move taken by some 200 MTUC leaders to hold a peaceful assembly at the parliament entrance here.

They were demanding for the legislation of a Minimum Wage Act, including RM900 minimum salary and a RM300 allowance for cost of living (COLA). In addition, they were also expressing their dissatisfaction with the amendments to the labour law during the last parliamentary sitting that they said eroded the rights of workers.

No excuse not to have Minimum Wage Act

Wangsa Maju parliamentary member (MP) Wee Chee Keong, Padang Serai MP N. Gobalakrishnan and Kota Damansara state assemblyman Dr. Nasir Hashim were among those present to lend moral support to the protesting workers.

MTUC president Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud said there should be no excuse for the government not to legislate the Minimum Wage Act.

He noted that most countries in the region had legislated the Act and the government’s move to increase the salary of civil servants twice in recent years did not cause adverse side effects to the country.

“The minimum wage (Act) is important to the workers in Malaysia,” he told journalists in a press conference at the parliamentary lobby after he handing in a memorandum to Parliamentary Opposition Leader Dr Wan Azizah Ismail.

Syed Shahir said several parliamentary members from the ruling coalition had also expressed support for the Act but he did not name them . Pakatan Rakyat leaders were also supportive of the Act in particular former Parliamentary Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang, and PAS treasurer Dr Mohd Hatta Ramli.

Syed Shahir said that MTUC had planned to hand the memorandum to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi after the premier failed to respond to a similar memorandum sent in 2007 but was told that Abdullah is currently out of the country.

Abdullah had earlier pre-empted the peaceful assembly by saying that the government simply could not afford to legislate the Minimum Wages Act which would trigger further inflation.- Saadon Aksah/ES

Wan Nordin Wan Yaacob

KUALA LUMPUR, 8 Mei (Hrkh) - Kerajaan pimpinan Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi digesa agar melihat secara serius tuntutan gaji minimum yang dibuat oleh Kongres Kesatuan Sekerja Malaysia (MTUC) dalam satu himpunan di hadapan Parlimen semalam.

Ketua Penerangan PAS, Mahfuz Omar dalam respon awalnya berkata, pihak berkuasa tidak boleh menghalang kelompok MTUC ini dari menyuarakan tuntutan mereka di Parlimen.

ImageIni kerana Parlimen adalah tempat dimana dewan tertinggi yang membincangkan semua hal mengenia polisi negara yang membabitkan kepentingan seluruh rakyat, katanya semasa ditemui di Parlimen bagi mengulas himpunan yang diadakan kira-kira 200 anggota MTUC di hadapan Parlimen semalam.

“Tuntutan MTUC wajar untuk dipertimbangkan dalam keadaan kos sara hidup meningkat.

“mereka tuntut gaji minima.Tak wajar kini ada orang yang bekerja Imagedalam sektor-sektor yang mempunyai saiz yang besar tiba-tiba mereka diberi gaji rendah bawah RM900

“Dan dalam masa sama pelabur-pelabur yang besar ini mengaut keuntungan hasil dari menggunakan tenaga kerja yang murah di kalangan pekerja tempatan,” kata Mahfuz.

Dalam keadaan mereka meraih untung besar itu, kelompok pekerja pula berhadapan dengan beban hidup yang meningkat yang terpaksa ditanggung, kata Mahfuz.

“Tak wajar bila kerajaan nak menyekat golongan ini dari mendapat Imagepembelaan sewajarnya di Dewan Rakyat yang akan disuarakan samada melalui kerajaan mahupun pembangkang, ” katanya.

Sementara itu Presiden MTUC, Syed Shahir Syed MOhamood yang mengulas mengenai memorandum tuntutan badan itu yang diserah kepada Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz Nazri berkata, menteri itu berjanji akan memberikan memorandum terbabit kepada Perdana Menteri, Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi dan anggota kabinet lain.

Memorandum serupa diserahkan kepada semua ahli Parlimen baik kerajaan mahu pun pembangkang, ujarnya.

Menurut Syed Shahir lagi, kandungan memorandum tersebut sama dengan yang diberikan kepada Perdana Menteri pada 18 Jun lalu.

Katanya, memorandum kedua itu dihantar kerana pihaknya tidak mendapat respons positif dari kerajaan mengenai tuntutan tersebut.

Menurut Syed Shahir di kalangan negara-negara Asean hanya Malaysia yang tidak mengamalkan pembayaran gaji minima.

Hujah bahawa pelaksanaan pembayaran gaji minima dan Cola akan menyebabkan kenaikan harga barangan adalah hujah yang dangkal, katanya.

Sedangkan katanya dalam hal ini bukan kerajaan yang membayar gaji sebaliknya majikan.

Menurutnya, ketika ini kira-kira 1.67 juta pekerja mendapat pendapatan bulanan kurang daripada RM700 sebulan (lebih rendah daripada paras kemiskinan iaitu RM900).

“Sama ada kami (MTUC) akan buat lagi atau tidak perhimpunan aman yang sama, ia bergantung kepada respons kerajaan. Ini bukan hobi tetapi merupakan satu tanggungjawab.

“Ini bukan mencari kepentingan politik tetapi satu komitmen kepada kaum pekerja di negara ini,” katanya lagi.

Kandungan memorandum tersebut turut membantah pindaan akta perhubungan dan akta kesatuan sekerja yang boleh menjejaskan kepentingan pekerja dan kesatuan sekerja.

THE MTUC staged a peaceful gathering outside Parliament before handing over a 14-page memorandum to the Prime Minister, calling for a RM900 minimum wage and provision of a RM300 cost of living allowance.

Its members gathered as early as 9am yesterday but were unable to hand the memorandum to Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as he was overseas on official business.

MTUC president Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud, who met newsmen at the Parliament lobby later, said they would not stop until their goal was achieved.

He said the Government’s explanation that a RM900 minimum wage could not be met due to various reasons, including inflation, was unacceptable.

“This is a national issue that affects everyone, and the Government should not delay it any further,” he said.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abd Aziz, who received the memorandum on Abdullah’s behalf, said he sympathised with MTUC’s plight and would hand over the document to the Prime Minister when he returned from Dubai.

“And I will ensure that this matter is brought up for discussion in the Cabinet later,” he said.

By SIM LEOI LEOI and PAUL CHOO (The Star)

KUALA LUMPUR: Hundreds of people stood in solidarity with the call by Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) for a RM900 minimum wage and provision of an RM300 Cost of Living Allowance outside Parliament on Wednesday.

The peaceful gathering sought to hand a 14-page memorandum to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi voicing their intent.

Supporters had gathered from as early as 9am, waving banners and posters as policemen and Light Strike Force officers monitored the situation.

Some jeered and chanted that the prices of goods had increased, and urged the Government to address the issues.

Several labour union heads also expressed their grievances before they were asked to disperse by the police at 11.30am.

MTUC president Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud who led the assembly said they were unable to hand over the memorandum as Abdullah was overseas on official business.

Syed Shahrir, who met with pressmen in the Parliament lobby later, said that they would not stop until their intent has been met.

He said that the Government’s explanation that an RM900 minimum wage could not be met due to various reasons including inflation was unacceptable.

“This is a national issue that affects everyone, and the Government should not delay it any further.

“How can inflation be used as an excuse when in 2007, a 7.5% to 40% increase in civil servants salary had also been announced. Do we see any inflation now? This is a weak argument from the Government,” he said.

Syed said MTUC would continue diligently with their cause.

Minister in Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abd Aziz, who received the memorandum on the Premier’s behalf, said he sympathised with MTUC’s plight.

“Because PM is in Dubai, I will personally hand over their memorandum to him when he gets back.

“And I will ensure that this matter is brought up for discussion in Cabinet later,” he said.

Asked if MTUC should not have resorted to a demonstration or picket to voice their grouses, Nazri said the union should not be blamed.

“This is because previously, they found it hard to voice their grouses. But now that they have successfully handed over the memorandum, they will use less confrontational means,” he said.

SHAH ALAM, May 4 (Bernama) – The five Pakatan Rakyat-led state governments have agreed to extend the 60-day paid maternity leave for public sector employees in their states, and are to work out the number of additional days according to the needs and demands in each state.

The new leave will only be implemented after the leaders of the five states — Selangor, Kelantan, Perak, Penang and Kedah — sit down together to fine-tune the needs and demands in each state.

Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin asked to be allowed time to fine-tune the matter at state level “and then we will sit down together and decide what’s best for the five states”.

He spoke at a news conference after a workers assembly here Sunday. Also present were Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim; Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin; PAS Vice-President Datuk Husam Musa who represented the Kelantan menteri besar; Kedah Rural Development, Entrepreneur Development and Public Works Committee chairman Phahrolrazi Zawawi who represented the Kedah menteri besar and Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) president Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud.

Women employees in the public sector are now entitled to 60 days of paid maternity leave for a maximum of five times.

Mohammad Fairus said the Penang government was considering extending the leave up to 75 days by taking into account locality and the people’s acceptance in the state.

Abdul Khalid said the Selangor government planned to implement a 90-day maternity leave and between seven and 10 days additional leave for men whose wives were on maternity leave.

“The state government, MTUC, public and private sector workers’ organisations or Cuepacs have to hold further discussions so that no one will lose out when the facility is implemented,” he said.

Husam said the Kelantan government proposed to give 10 days of additional leave prior to delivery to women who found it difficult to work in an advanced state of pregnancy.

Mohammad Nizar said the Perak government was compiling data to determine whether it was possible to extend the maternity leave to 65 or 70 days.

Phahrolrazi said the Kedah government might adopt the measures to be implemented by the Kelantan government in the matter.

– BERNAMA

Muda Mohd Noor | May 7, 08 (Malaysiakini)

Some 100 unionists gathered at Parliament gate this morning in support of Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) leaders who were there to hand a memorandum on their demand for minimum wage.

mtuc parliament protest 070508 05The crowd gathered for two hours under the watchful eyes of the police before dispersing peacefully on their own after the memorandum had been submitted.

Several Pakatan Rakyat MPs took time out from the Parliament sitting and came to support the MTUC’s demand for RM900 minimum wage and RM300 cost-of-living allowances (Cola).

Amtuc parliament protest 070508 02ccording to MTUC president Syed Shahrir Syed Mahmud, the memorandum was handed over to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz and Opposition Leader Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Syed Shahrir said that Nazri promised to hand the memorandum to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and other members of the cabinet.

“The memorandum was also distributed to all MPs regardless of their political leanings,” he said.

No response

He said the memorandum was the same as the one submitted to Abdullah in June last year.

Syed Shahrir said that a second memorandum was submitted because there was no response from the government regarding their claims.

“Among Asean countries, only Malaysia does not have a minimum wage policy, while others do,” he said.

He said that the government’s excuse of not having a minimum wage policy and an equitable Cola policy to prevent inflation was lame one.

Elaborating, he said it was the employers and not the government that was footing a higher salary.

He said that at present, 1.67 million workers are making less than RM700 a month which is lower than the poverty rate of RM900.

More protests

Syed Shahrir stressed that the gathering outside Parliament house was not a picket but a gathering of unionists who were keen on knowing first hand the government’s attitude towards the working class. mtuc parliament protest 070508 10

“Whether MTUC will hold more of such gatherings depends on the government’s response. This (holding protests) is not a hobby but a responsibility.

“We’re not out to score political points. We’re out to fulfil our commitment to the workers of this country,” he added.

Among others, the memorandum also opposed amendments to the Industrial Relations Act and the Trade Union Act which MTUC claims are detrimental to workers.

mtuc parliament protest 070508 11The memorandum also states MTUC’s eagerness to hold discussions with the prime minister regarding issues affecting workers.

Since taking over as prime minister in 2003, Abdullah has never dialogued with MTUC which is the largest umbrella body for trade unions.

Malaysiakini

Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has shot down the Malaysian Trade Union Congress’ (MTUC) demands that the government implement a RM1,200 minimum wage policy.

Commenting on MTUC’s plans to hold a protest in front of Parliament house on Wednesday over the matter, the prime minister cited inflation and limited government funds for rejecting the suggestion.

“They can have 100 demonstrations but if we can’t, we can’t… as simple as that. If we can give, we give. I would like to make the people happy if I can by giving more money but if we can’t, we can’t,” said Abdullah in a Bernama report.

The premier was speaking to reporters after attending the official Workers Day Gathering 2008 at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil today.

Cause inflation

Abdullah said the decision to reject MTUC’s demands was difficult as the government was responsible for taking care of the country’s economy.

“I don’t know why this approach (demonstration) is being used. It is as though we don’t care about the people. It’s not easy for us to make a decision.

“What could be done immediately and if it is good, of course we will do it. But if we have some doubts about introducing it now, we cannot do it.

“I have to be responsible to the others, and you know this is inflationary. When there is an increase in pay, the price (of goods) will go up. What is the meaning if giving additional pay when tomorrow you have to pay more for the products you need?” he asked.

The premier advised MTUC to hold further discussions on the issue with other stakeholders.

Saidah Hairan

SHAH ALAM, 4 Mei (Hrkh) - Lima buah negeri yang dikuasai Pakatan Rakyat bertekad akan membangunkan kesejahteraan kaum pekerja dengan membawa arus perubahan dan menjana pembangunan supaya para pekerja dapat menikmati proses pendemokrasian tulen.

ImagePemerintah dan majikan perlu adil dan telus dalam melaksanakan kewajipan sosial masing-masing tanpa menabur sebarang janji-janji kosong kepada para pekerja kerana ia akan menambahkan ketidakpercayaan pekerja terhadap majikan berkenaan.

Tiga Menteri Besar dan dua Timbalan Menteri Besar telah bersepakat untuk menaikkan martabat para pekerja yang didiskriminasi selama 50 tahun sejak BN memerintah negara.

Kesepakatan itu dilaungkan dalam perhimpunan Pekerja 2008 dan Wacana Kebangsaan ke-3 `Memperkasakan Kaum Pekerja’ yang diadakan di Stadium Melawati, Shah Alam, pagi tadi.

Menteri Besar yang hadir, Tan Sri Abd Khalid Ibrahim (Selangor); Dato Seri Ir Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin (Perak); Exco Kerajaan Negeri Kelantan; Dato’ Paduka Husam Musa; Timbalan Menteri Besar Pulau Pinang, Mohd Fairus Khairuddin dan Exco negeri Kedah, IR Fakhrul Rozi.

ImageTurut hadir Naib Presiden PAS, Mohamad Sabu; Exco kerajaan negeri Selangor, Dr Halimah Ali; Ahli Parlimen Kota Raja, Dr Siti Mariah Mahmood dan Presiden MTUC, Syed Shahir Syed Mohamad.

Dalam ucapan Tan Sri Khalid,beliau menjelaskan bahawa kerajaan Selangor sedang merancang melaksanakan cuti bersalin selama 90 hari bagi pekerja wanita disamping cuti tambahan bagi suami tidak lebih 10 hari.

Berhubung dengan gaji minimum katanya, kerajaan negeri sedang mengkaji supaya pekerja yang sudah bertugas lebih lima tahun dibayar gaji tidak kurang RM1500 sebulan dan dasar baru akan dilaksanakan iaitu pekerja perlu mendapat gaji permulaan RM1500 sebulan.

Menurut beliau,ini berikutan pemimpin Pakatan Rakyat Selangor menyedari rakyat tidak cukup dengan jumlah gaji minimum sebulan untuk menampung kehidupan dalam senario harga barangan melambung naik.

ImageDalam program tersebut di sebelah petang turut diadakan dialog antara Pengerusi Lajnah Pekerja dan Peneroka Bandar PAS, Mohd Anuar Tahir dan Syed Shahir.

Dailog tersebut mendapat sambutan membanggakan di kalangan peserta yang hadir dan kebanyakan mereka meminta kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat sepakat untuk membela nasib pekerja bawahan yang tertindas selama berada di bawah pemerintahan BN.

Program ditutup dengan ucapan Mursyidul Am PAS, Tuan Guru Dato’ Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat merangkap Menteri Besar Kelantan. - mks.

KUALA LUMPUR (Thomson Financial) - Malaysia’s top union chief on Thursday called for a minimum wage of 1,200 ringgit ($375) to help workers cope with soaring food and fuel prices.

Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud, president of the Malaysian Trade Union Congress, said millions of workers struggled on a monthly income of less than 700 ringgit.

‘I cannot imagine how they survive with that meagre income and afford a decent life, especially for those living in industrial areas. This is the number one issue that workers are facing now,’ Syed told Agence-France Presse after addressing a May Day rally in Selangor state.

Syed said employers’ excuses that higher wages would increase operating costs and hit the competitiveness of Malaysian goods were outdated.

‘Our workers should be trained and better their skills and taught to operate machinery. This will cut the country’s dependence on cheap foreign labour,’ he said.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, in his May Day message, urged workers to be more innovative and creative to ensure the country remains competitive.

He said Malaysia could no longer rely on its cheap labour to attract investors and should focus instead on creating a higher quality and better educated workforce in the face of increasing regional competition.

‘In the era of a knowledge-based economy, the ability to generate, spread and apply knowledge is crucial to determine the nation’s productivity and competitiveness,’ he said in the statement.

‘Malaysia can no longer depend on cheap labour costs. Skills and knowledge have become an important prerequisite in increasing one’s wages in today’s economy,’ he said.

The economy is going through a transition phase as it seeks to shift from a low-wage model to a high-wage, knowledge-based economy.

Malaysia is one of Asia’s largest importers of cheap foreign labour and has about 2.3 million workers from Indonesia, Bangladesh, India and elsewhere to clean homes, construct buildings and gather crops.

The government has said it plans to cut its reliance on foreign labour to create more job opportunities for unemployed local people.

afp/ms

Copyright Thomson Financial News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.

Star Online 18 Apr 2008

By SIM LEOI LEOI

PUTRAJAYA: The Government has agreed to five of the six demands by Cuepacs, including extending the retirement age for civil servants from 56 years to 60, and the scrapping of the efficiency level assessment (PTK) examination.

However, there will be no RM2,000 honorarium payment in lieu of bonuses for last year.

Cuepacs president Omar Osman said that in a 45-minute meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at his office here yesterday, the Government had agreed to all its demands except the honorarium.

“The Prime Minister explained that should the Government give out the honorarium, it may spur another round of price increases, like what happened last year when we received our salary revision.

“We agreed that we should sacrifice this demand as we also don’t want certain parties to take advantage by increasing the prices of goods,” he said, adding that Cuepacs was mindful that prices of certain goods such as flour, bread and rice had also been increasing recently.

However, Omar said the Government had agreed to the other demands – the extension of the retirement age, reinstatement of critical and housing allowances, pension payment to be based on one’s actual years of service and the scrapping of the PTK exam.

“The Prime Minister will make the announcement soon,” he said, describing the outcome of the meeting as “positive”.

“Cuepacs is relieved the Government has agreed to all of the above,” he said, adding that the Public Service Department (PSD) would brief Cuepacs today on the new method of evaluation for PTK.

The PTK, which has become a bone of contention among the 1.2 million civil servants, was introduced in 2002 when the Malaysian Remuneration System replaced the New Remuneration System.

Passing the PTK exam was used as a basis for promotion in the civil service.

Besides Cuepacs and Abdullah, others present at the meeting included Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan, PSD director-general Tan Sri Ismail Adam and Finance Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Wan Abd Aziz Wan Abdullah.

Asked if this meant that Cuepacs would not be boycotting the Workers Day event on May 3, Omar said the main exco of the civil servants umbrella group was happy with the results of the meeting.

“However, we still have to bring the matter of boycotting the event to our members to decide tomorrow afternoon (today),” he said.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) felt that the extension of the civil servants’ retirement age to 60 should have been implemented much earlier.

Its president Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud said this had been MTUC’s request for more than two years.

He said Abdullah “was not sensitive enough to MTUC’s requests” previously.

“If we compare ourselves to our neighbouring countries such as Singapore, India, the Philippines and others, we are in fact behind them in this aspect.

“The retirement ages in these countries are from 60 to 65, and we are only now extending it to 60,” he said.

National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretary-general Lok Yim Pheng said the union was pleased that the Government had agreed to five of the six demands by Cuepacs.

“There is a lot of good news for teachers such as the extension of the retirement age,” she said.

Lok, who also attended the meeting with the Prime Minister, said she would be able to brief members after she attended the PSD briefing on the PTK evaluation.

June Ramli (NST)

KUALA LUMPUR: A tough fight is brewing in the Pandan parliamentary constituency with two well-known personalities preparing to battle it out for the popular vote.

Barisan Nasional incumbent, Datuk Ong Tee Keat will face Malaysian Trades Union Congress president Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud who is going in on a Parti Keadilan Rakyat ticket.

Ong, cautiously optimistic about his chances, said he would not underestimate his opponent.

“We have to work hard as it is going to be tough. We will continue with the hard work we have been putting in all this while,” he said when asked about his chances.

He was speaking after submitting his nomination papers to Ampang Jaya Municipal Council officer Abdul Hamid Hussain at the MPAJ hall yesterday.
Syed Shahir is optimistic of winning the hearts of voters despite failing to secure the Kelana Jaya parliamentary seat in the 2004 elections.

“We are confident of a win this time because of the sentiments of the people following the recent events in the country,” he said.

Meanwhile, the contest for the Teratai state seat will see incumbent Datuk Lum Weng Keng of Gerakan going up against the DAP’s Lee Ying Ha.

In the Cempaka state constituency, the Barisan Nasional’s Norsimah Hashim is being fielded against Pas’ Iskandar Abd Samad.

Lum conceded that it would be a tough fight against the 28-year-old Lee, saying that he had a 50-50 chance of victory.

Lee, on the other hand, is determined to ensure a win for DAP in the Ampang area.

Iskandar, who failed in two outings in the constituency since the 1999 general election, is confident of winning this time around.

Oleh Utusan Malaysia

Jumaat, 08 Februari 2008

Kuala Lumpur: Rangkaian Pengangkutan Integrasi Deras Sdn. Bhd. (RapidKL) mengambil tindakan tegas dengan memecat 10 pemandu bas syarikat itu yang didakwa menjadi dalang mogok di depoh syarikat itu di Shah Alam, Ahad lepas.

Ketua Pegawai Operasi RapidKL (Bahagian Bas), Mohd. Ali Mohd. Nor berkata, hasil siasatan pihaknya mendapati dalang punca mogok tersebut dilakukan oleh 10 pemandu bas syarikat berkenaan.

“Mereka yang terbabit itu telah dibuang kerja kerana telah menghalang pemandu lain daripada bekerja pada Ahad lepas dan menghasut rakan-rakannya untuk turut sama mogok,” katanya ketika dihubungi Utusan Malaysia di sini hari ini.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika diminta mengulas tindakan RapidKL untuk menyelesaikan masalah yang dihadapi oleh pemandu bas syarikat berkenaan yang melancarkan mogok tersebut.

Kesemua 200 pemandu terbabit berkumpul secara aman di hadapan pejabat pengurusan syarikat itu kerana tidak berpuas hati mengenai soal gaji dan pembayaran bonus.

Mogok itu telah melumpuhkan perkhidmatan pengangkutan awam di Lembah Klang dan kawasan sekitarnya lebih tiga jam.

Salman Hussin

PASIR GUDANG, 2 Feb (Hrkh) - Kira-kira 200 bekas pekerja kilang KIG Glass Industrial Berhad, di sini, merayu Jabatan Insolvensi Malaysia, yang mengambil alih semua kepentingan dan aset kilang tersebut sejak diistyiharkan bankrap beberapa tahun lalu, menyelesaikan segera pampasan pekerja terbabit yang masih tidak selesai sehingga hari ini.
Bekas pekerja kilang yang kesemuanya rakyat tempatan ini menghadapi berbagai masalah berikutan penutupan kilang ini pada 2006 lalu, selain hilang punca pendapatan, mereka yang kebanyakannya sudah bekerja lebih 10 tahun ini terpaksa berhadapan dengan masalah hutang dan kesukaran mencari sumber pendapatan bagi menyara keluarga.

“Faktor umur menyebabkan kami sukar mendapat kerja lain, kalau pun dapat kerja di tempat baru, gajinya pula sudah tentu kecil, pendapatan yang kecil ini menimbulkan masalah untuk menyara keluarga, kata wakil pekerja terbabit, Razali Saad.

Katanya, sebelum kilang ini diisytihar bankrap pada 2006, syarikat ini sudah mula menghadapi masalah kewangan sejak 2003 lagi, pekerja hanya dibayar gaji dua hingga tiga bulan sekali, itu pun cuma RM100 bagi operator dan RM500 bagi eksekutif.

“Ketika saham terbesar syarikat ini dimiliki seorang usahawan dari Indonesia, masalah gaji pekerja langsung tidak pernah berlaku, begitu juga jualan produk kilang ini yang berupa barangan kaca, sama ada untuk pasaran tempatan atau eksport, terus berjalan lancar tanpa sebarang masalah,” katanya.

Sebaliknya menurut Razali, kegawatan keewangan syarikat termasuk hutang dianggarkan beratus juta ringgit dengan institusi-institusi kewangan dan juga pembayaran gaji pekerja mula berlaku sejak PNB, Amanah Raya dan ECM Libra, melabur dalam syarikat ini, katanya selepas membuat laporan polis, di sini.

Beliau bersama lebih seratus bekas pekerja kilang terbabit bertindak membuat laporan polis setelah kecewa tuntutan yang telah mereka kemukakan sejak 2005 kepada Jabatan Tenaga Kerja Johor Bahru, Menteri Sumber Manusia, MTUC serta keputusan Mahkamah Buruh, masih tiada sebarang tindakan atau keputusan muktamad, menyebabkan isu ini terus berlanjutan sehingga hari ini.

Bekas pekerja kilang terbabit antara lain menuntut pampasan Gaji Ganti Notis dan Faedah Penamatan Kerja, yang mana dianggarkan setiap pekerja berhak mendapat ganti rugi sekitar RM20,000 seorang.

Katanya, Walaupun sudah ada keputusan daripada Mahkamah Buruh Johor Bahru, terhadap tuntutan mereka, namun perintah mahkamah ini gagal dilaksanakan, arahan untuk membayar tuntutan mereka yang dikeluarkan mahkamah tersebut tidak diendahkan sama sekali.

“Selaku rakyat negara ini kami merasa amat kecewa apabila permasalahan membabitkan kebajikan kami seolah-olah dinafikan dari sudut perundangan sedia ada, ataupun mungkin perkara ini berlaku disebabkan pihak berkuasa yang diamanahkan rakyat untuk membela kebajikan dan keadilan negara tidak berperanan dengan sewajarnya.

“Kami juga hairan kenapa tindakan sewajarnya tidak dapat dilakukan kerajaan bagi menyelesaikan masalah membabitkan golongan pekerja melalui peruntukkan undang-undang yang ada, kegagalan ini boleh menimbulkan persepsi negatif atau keraguan rakyat terhadap kredibiliti kerajaan yang ada hari ini,” katanya.

Sehubungan itu menurut Razali, walaupun syarikat ini sudah bankrap dan segala urusan syarikat ini telah diambil alih oleh Jabatan Insolvensi, namun mereka amat mengharapkan campur tangan kerajaan bagi menyegerakan pembayaran wang pampasan tersebut.

“Kami harap kerajaan segera campur tangan bagi menyelesaikan kemelut ini, kami sudah begitu lama menderita, sampai bila kami harus menunggu dan menunggu,” ujarnya lagi. - mns

Muda Mohd Noor (Malaysiakini)

Kira-kira 120 pemandu bas Rangkaian Pengangkutan Intergrasi Deras Pulau Pinang (Rapid Penang) masih meneruskan mogok untuk hari ketiga berturut-turut berhubung isu tuntutan kenaikan gaji.

Berikutan itu, lebih 300,000 pengguna terkandas sejak tiga hari lalu, terutama di sekitar Georgetown dan Butterworth.

Kordinator Kumpulan Pengguna Bas Pulau Pinang, B K Ong, berkata sehingga ini tiada tanda-tanda mogok tersebut akan berakhir.

“Tiada satupun bas Rapid Penang kelihatan di atas jalanraya di seluruh Georgetown dan Butterworth. Bas-bas tersebut disimpan di terminal bas Sungai Nibong.

rapid kl bus public transportation 021107″Pemandu-pemandu juga tidak kelihatan di kawasan terminal tersebut, tetapi saya difahamkan pihak pengurusan Rapid Penang berunding dengan wakil pemandu tersebut.

“Seorang pengarah Rapid Penang, Ong Tian Lai masih berunding dengan wakil pemandu bas tetapi hasilnya belum diketahui,” katanya ketika dihubungi hari ini.

Ong berkata, tinjauan beliau ke Stesen Bas Komtar dan beberapa stesen lain mendapati tiada sebuah bas Rapid Penang di kawasan tersebut.

Penumpang merungut

Katanya, ketiadaan Rapid Penang menyukarkan orang ramai terutama kaum Cina yang sedang persiapan menyambut Tahun Baru Cina, esok.

Beliau berkata, kaum Cina merungut kerana mereka sukar untuk ke pusat bandar bagi memberi barangan keperluan menjelang perayaan Tahun Baru Cina.

“Ramai yang merungut kerana tidak di maklumkan tentang mogok tersebut terlebih dahulu bagi membolehkan mereka membuat persiapan alternatif,” katanya lagi.

Pihak pengurusan Rapid Penang yang dihubungi, bagaimanapun, enggan mengulas perkara tersebut melainkan rundingan masih berjalan.

Sementara itu, mogok pemandu bas Rapid KL di sekitar Lembah Kelang telah berakhir apabila 200 pemandu kembali bekerja pagi semalam.

Kelmarin, pemandu terbabit dilaporkan melancarkan mogok kerana tidak berpuas hati terhadap pengurusan syarikat itu berhubung soal gaji serta pembayaran bonus. Mereka berhimpun di hadapan pejabat pentadbiran di Depoh Rapid KL, Seksyen 25 di Shah Alam.

Berikutan itu, ribuan pengguna pengangkutan awam itu terkandas, malah ada antara mereka lewat ke tempat kerja.

Oleh Wartawan KLpos.com

FotoKL: Presiden MTUC, Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud dijangka akan bertanding mewakili Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) dalam pilihanraya akan datang. Sumber memberitahu KLpos.com bahawa orang kuat kesatuan pekerja itu akan bertanding di Parlimen Kelana Jaya, tempat di mana beliau juga merupakan Ketua Bahagian PKR.

Dalam pada itu, Pengarah Pilihanraya PKR Azmin Ali akan merasmikan Pusat Khidmat Masyarakat Parlimen Kelana Jaya bersama Syed Shahir esok. Syed Shahir pernah bertanding dalam pilihanraya umum 2004 tetapi tewas.

Dalam pada itu, Azmin yakin PKR mendapat lonjokan sokongan baru daripada akar umbi.

Menulis di blog peribadinya, kata Azmin, program ceramah Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim di Kampong Rinching Hulu, Semenyih baru-baru ini mendapat sambutan yang luar biasa dari masyarakat tempatan yang terdiri dari pelbagai kaum.

“Ribuan orang Melayu, India dan Tionghua berpusu pusu ke tapak ceramah untuk mendengar penjelasan dari pimpinan keADILan berhubung isu-isu semasa dan juga dasar kepeduliaan rakyat yang dibawa oleh PKR.” kata Azmin.

Menurut beliau, Anwar mengupas panjang isu ekonomi termasuk harga petrol dan barangan keperluan yang semakin tinggi, masalah pendidikan, jenayah dan sosial serta dasar PKR untuk meningkatkan dan menjamin hubungan di antara kaum dan agama dalam negara kita semakin mantap.

Bapa mentua YB hulu Langat serah tanah buat Markaz

“Tuan rumah, Cikgu Dolah menyerahkan tanahnya seluas 1 ekar untuk dijadikan markaz dan pusat khidmat masyarakat untuk Parlimen Hulu Langat. Beliau juga adalah bapa mertua kepada Ahli Parlimen ( UMNO ) Hulu Langat, YB Markiman Kobiran yang rumahnya terletak bersebelahan dengan tapak ceramah Dato’ Seri Anwar,” kata beliau.

Sementara itu, hari ini, Anwar akan melakukan lawatan kerja di Melaka dan akan berceramah di Markaz PAS Pantai Kundur. Anwar kerap turun padang untuk memperkemas jentera pilihanraya PKR sejak akhir-akhir ini.

Kuala Lumpur, Jan.1 (ANI): Malaysian Works Minister Samy Vellu said his resolution for the New Year is to uplift the standard of living in the Indian community.

He said the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) would also continue to give priority towards development of education among Indians.

Other leaders in the country also expressed their expectations for the New Year.

Gerakan president and Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said: We should always be mindful of our responsibility for mutual respect and restraint. Malaysians must continue to promote the spirit of unity through moderation and consultation, and not allow anyone to provoke feelings of animosity through extremism and confrontation.

The Star quoted PPP president and Deputy Minister in the Prime Ministers Department Datuk M. Kayveas as saying It is time to seriously consider the idea of a Bangsa Malaysia. The time has come to integrate cultures to give birth to one Malaysian people. We no longer need to be identified by our races.

Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation vice chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said: Crime is the second biggest concern of the people and it is the wish of all Malaysians to see the authorities concerned doing more to fight and prevent crime.

DAP Chairman Karpal Singh said: Malaysians of all races must strive towards unity in a multi-racial society. The Government should also not ignore the cry of the communities and treat their problems fairly.

Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) president Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud said: It’s time for the countrys workers to make a concerted effort to challenge any form of tyranny exhibited by employers. Such oppressive measures cannot be left unchallenged as workers have the right to demand for fair treatment and protection as provided by the law. (ANI)

PETALING JAYA: Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud sekali lagi dipilih sebagai Presiden Kongres Kesatuan Sekerja Malaysia (MTUC) pada Persidangan Perwakilan ke-37 kesatuan itu di sini hari ini.

Bekas guru itu berjaya mempertahankan kerusinya selepas menewaskan pencabarnya, Shafie BP. Mamal.

Syed Shahir mendapat 278 undi manakala Shafie pula memperoleh 235 undi sekali gus diberi kepercayaan untuk terus memimpin MTUC yang mempunyai keahlian seramai 550,000 orang.

Ini merupakan percubaan pertama Shafie untuk merebut kerusi Presiden selepas 13 tahun menjadi orang nombor dua MTUC tetapi gagal berbuat demikian.

Sementara itu, G. Rajasekaran yang menjadi Setiausaha Agung MTUC selama 16 tahun juga sekali lagi diberi kepercayaan untuk menduduki jawatan tersebut.

Beliau mendapat 257 undi manakala pencabarnya, Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid memperoleh 255 undi.

Bagi jawatan Timbalan Presiden MTUC pula, Mohd. Khalid Atan memperoleh undi tertinggi iaitu sebanyak 301 manakala P. Maniam (214).

Selain ketiga-tiga jawatan itu, turut mendapat perebutan ialah kerusi Naib Presiden, Timbalan Setiausaha Agung dan Setiausaha dan Timbalan Setiausaha Kewangan.

Apa yang menarik, hampir kesemua jawatan yang dipertandingkan dimenangi oleh `kumpulan’ Shafie.

Kira-kira 600 perwakilan dari 144 kesatuan sekerja menghadiri persidangan itu dan mereka yang layak mengundi ialah seramai 526 orang.

Shafie ketika ditemui berkata, beliau tidak sedih dengan kekalahannya itu dan berasa gembira apabila pasukannya memenangi hampir kesemua jawatan yang dipertandingkan.

“Saya hormati keputusan perwakilan. Sudah 34 tahun saya bersama kesatuan sekerja dan akan terus menyumbang kepada MTUC sebagai ahlinya,’’ kata beliau.- Utusan

Oleh Faisal Mustaffa (Malaysia Today)

Presiden Kongres Kesatuan Sekerja Malaysia (MTUC), Syed Shahir Mohamud merasa kesal dengan kenyataan Menteri Sumber Manusia, Datuk Seri Dr. Fong Chan Onn, seperti yang tersiar dalam akhbar Berita Minggu 21 Oktober kelmarin, yang memberi amaran bahawa polis boleh mengambil tindakan terhadap sesiapa yang mengadakan piket berhubung dengan pertikaian kesatuan sekerja tersebut dengan majikan.

Menurut Syed Shahir, tidak perlu ada sesuatu pihak, lebih-lebih lagi pihak kerajaan boleh mengugut mana-mana kesatuan sekerja yang menuntut kenaikan gaji yang munasabah lebih-lebih lagi dalam konteks pertikaian perusahaan (trade dispute) yang masih belum selesai.

Dalam satu kenyaataan rasmi yang dikeluarkan oleh beliau, Syed Shahir berkata, kedua-dua pihak Kesatuan Kebangsaan Pekerja-pekerja Bank (NUBE) dan Persatuan Bank-bank Perdangan Malaysia (MCBA) tidak dapat menyelesaikan pertikaian berhubung dengan tuntutan yang dibuat oleh NUBE yang mewakili 30,000 ahli-ahlinya berkaitan kenaikan gaji sebanyak 30%, bonus dua bulan dan pemberian elaun sara hidup (Cola).

Kenyataan itu juga menyebut mengenai Seksyen 40 Akta Perhubungan Perusahaan 1967 bahawa tidak ada sebarang peruntukan yang melarang ahli kesatuan sekerja meneruskan piket meskipun kes tuntutan telah dirujuk kepada Mahkamah Perusahaan.

“MTUC menyokong perjuangan NUBE dalam isu tuntutan kenaikan gaji sebanyak 30%, bonus 2 bulan dan pemberian Cola,” kata Syed Shahir.

Justeru, MTUC menggesa Menteri berkenaan menarik balik dengan segera amaran beliau itu dan berharap amaran dengan tujuan menakut-nakutkan golongan pekerja sedemikian tidak berulang lagi di masa yang akan datang.

Malaysiakini

Oct 22, 07 — Kongres Kesatuan Sekerja Malaysia (MTUC) kesal dengan amaran Menteri Sumber Manusia, Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn semalam bahawa polis boleh mengambil tindakan terhadap mereka yang mengadakan piket berhubung pertikaian kesatuan sekerja dengan majikan.

“Dalam sebuah negara yang mengamalkan demokrasi, MTUC berpendapat, tidak perlu ada sesuatu pihak, lebih-lebih lagi pihak kerajaan, mengugut mana-mana kesatuan sekerja yang menuntut kenaikan gaji yang munasabah lebih-lebih lagi dalam konteks pertikaian perusahaan yang masih belum selesai,” kata Presiden MTUC, Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud.

Beliau menegaskan demikian sebagai mengulas kenyataan Dr Fong (foto) itu seperti yang dilaporkan dalam akhbar Berita Minggu semalam.

Menurutnya, dalam isu ini, kedua pihak - Kesatuan Kebangsaan Pekerja Bank (Nube) dan Persatuan Bank Perdagangan Malaysia (MCBA) - tidak dapat menyelesaikan pertikaian berhubung tuntutan Nube yang mewakili 30,000 ahlinya berkaitan kenaikan gaji sebanyak 30 peratus, mengekalkan dua bulan bonus dan pemberian Cola.

“Berdasarkan Seksyen 40 Akta Perhubungan Perusahaan 1967, tidak ada sebarang peruntukan yang melarang ahli kesatuan sekerja meneruskan piket meskipun kes tuntutan telah dirujuk kepada Mahkamah Perusahaan,” kata Syed Shahir dalam satu kenyataan hari ini.

Katanya, MTUC menggesa menteri berkenaan menarik balik dengan segera amaran beliau itu.

Piket diteruskan

Syed Shahrir (foto) juga berharap amaran bagi menakut-nakutkan golongan pekerja sedemikian tidak berulang di masa-masa yang akan datang.

Sebelum ini MCBA dilaporkan bersetuju memberi kenaikan gaji 30 peratus tetapi dua bulan bonus yang diberi selama ini akan ditarik balik.

Bagaimanapun, Nube tidak bersetuju dengan syarat tersebut kerana ia tidak memberi apa-apa keuntungan kepada kakitangan bank.

Setiausaha Agung Nube J Solomon pula dilaporkan berkata piket akan diteruskan selepas cuti hari raya sehingga pihak MCBA menerima tuntutan Nube.

Beliau dilaporkan berkata bahawa tuntutan kenaikan gaji itu bukan bertujuan untuk kemewahan tetapi hanya untuk kehidupan yang lebih selesa.

Katanya, Nube turut menuntut pemberian Cola kerana ini adalah masa yang sesuai bagi membantu bebanan kakitangan bank, yang menurutnya hanya dibayar RM662 atau RM995 untuk gaji pokok.