The past week has seen reports of the uphill struggle of workers from yet another two estates to get alternative housing upon retrenchment. Thirty six workers from Kamiri and Changkat Salak estates in Sungei Siput, Perak have reached a critical point in their struggle as the verdict of the court case to evict them looms near.

The case for summary eviction, which was initiated by plantation giant, Guthrie, will be heard two days before Deepavali, and the prospect of getting a favourable verdict is extremely bleak.

Which is why the workers are trying so hard to meet the man who can solve their problems Perak Menteri Besar Tajol Rosli. Unfortunately, since their termination in late 1999 till now they have tried up to 30 times to get an appointment to see him but failed. They have however managed to see their state assemblyperson and state exco member, Chang Ko Youn, and his stand on the issue has already appeared in the newspapers.

Chang's comments which must reflect the government's position are that:

• the state has no powers to use the Land Acquisition Act to acquire 4 acres of Guthrie land to house the former workers, and
• there is no government land in Sg Siput to create a settlement scheme for the workers