New Islamic-based union is divisive: MTUC chief

New Islamic-based union is divisive: MTUC chief
Syed Jaymal Zahiid
Sep 20, 07 6:36pm

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.

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