Mtuc S Chance For Redemption

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From Callistus Antony D’Angelus
The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) is in a state of decline, requiring judicial intervention. The Court of Appeal has permitted the formation of a joint special committee to organise a special delegates’ conference within 90 days of the court order, issued at the end of February.
It is unfortunate that the MTUC leadership has allowed infighting and incompetence to render the national labour centre dysfunctional for several years. The previous leadership failed to effectively represent the country’s workers, leading the organisation into stagnation.
The affiliated unions and delegates attending the upcoming conference, which will elect the new MTUC leadership, bear a significant responsibility. They must look beyond partisan, political, and personal interests to elect leaders who are best suited to revitalise the labour centre.
Delegates must reject any form of government or political party interference. The MTUC must remain an independent body that serves the interests of unions and workers. Political pressure must not dictate its direction, as has occurred in the past.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government has committed to fair and good governance. As a long-time supporter of the prime minister, dating back to his dismissal as deputy prime minister in 1998, I urge his administration to refrain from influencing the outcome of the MTUC elections. The principles of good governance championed by the current government while in opposition must be upheld in practice.
Under former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, the government directly influenced the MTUC elections by pledging millions of ringgit in funding during an MTUC triennial delegates’ conference. The current dysfunction within the MTUC is a result of some elected officials allowing themselves to be used as political pawns.
Despite the promise of good governance, similar patterns seem to persist. Trade unions and their leaders openly praise the current government, raising concerns about their impartiality. While it is not inherently wrong to support government policies, the manner in which it is being done today raises questions about the independence of these union leaders. Such actions undermine the credibility of the labour movement, reducing some unionists to mere extensions of the government.
Delegates at the upcoming MTUC elections must recognise the gravity of the moment and make responsible decisions in the best interests of workers across the country. - FMT
Callistus Antony D’Angelus is an FMT reader.
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.

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