Malaysian Trades Union Congress president Zainal Rampak today lashed out at the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) for accusing him of exploiting certain issues ahead of a hotly contested union elections.

He was referring to MEF president Jaafar Carrims remarks that his (Zainals) allegation about employers thriving on cheap labour was a ploy to garner more votes for tomorrows election.

Speaking at his presidential address during the opening of the 35th Triennial Delegates Conference, Zainal said Jaffars remarks was an attempt by MEF to meddle in the MTUCs internal affairs by sabotaging his chances in the triennial elections.

Maybe someone is trying to instigate him (Jaafar). I wish to remind the MEF not to interfere in our internal affairs. You stay away from us, and we will stay away from you, he warned.

Do not provoke us as the repercussions will be serious. This is not meant to be a threat, but a warning to the MEF. If there are any agent provocateurs urging the MEF to do so, then our advice is to not be deceived by them, and to exercise great caution.

Soft on employers

During his two-hour long speech, Zainal also hit out at the Human Resources Minister Dr Fong Chan Onn and Minister in the Prime Ministers Department Dr Rais Yatim for giving employers the soft treatment at workers expense.

My criticism of Fong is constructive so that he will work harder for the workers. And with due respect to Rais, his suggestion to review the Industrial Court and make it a normal court of law is wrong because the former is a court of equity.

Zainals speech, and particularly his attacks on the two ministers, drew flak from a number of delegates who described his address as a self-glorifying piece of work.

A Selangor delegate later told malaysiakini that Zainal had also repeatedly boasted to union leaders and delegates that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had allegedly told him (Zainal) that Fong is lazy, but you are active.

When asked at a press conference later why he had criticised the two ministers, Zainal said: Employers have now taken an upper hand due to the ministrys inefficiency and lackadaisical attitude. In fact, employers are not loyal citizens of this country.

Asked to elaborate on his charge that employers were not loyal citizens, he said it was because there is no transparency or accountability on their part. Loyalty to the country means supporting the workers and respecting their rights. It also means strongly supporting the government.

Citing the recent Enron scandal as an example of bad corporate governance, he said, While employers talk so much about employee efficiency and productivity, they have not cleaned their own backyards.

Closer to home, he cited the cases of Perwaja Steel Sdn Bhd, Len Omnibus Co and Advanced Magnetics where they have either wound-up operations, incurred serious losses or relocated outside Malaysia.

Migrant workers issue

Zainal who is being challenged by Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud for the presidential post for the fourth time also holds opposing views from his opponent on the issue of the recruitment of migrant workers.

He said his congress has consistently opposed the recruitment of foreign labour as his contention is that migrant workers have become a threat to national security due to the serious socio-political undertones.

Shahirs views is that Malaysians, most of whom are descendants of migrants too, should not hold against foreign labour.

We should not just blame the contractors or employers. All parties have to be blamed, including the government, added Shahir.

Zainal's dramatic speech drew cheers as well as jeers from the audience of about 400.

At one point, Zainal appealed for sympathy from delegates when he spoke on the Employees Provident Fund annuity scheme and the criticisms leveled against him for supporting its implementation in 2000.

Did I commit a serious crime? Why torture me like with all that criticism? Respect me as the MTUC president... you should all respect me, he appealed.

Training institute

Zainal also surprised delegates with his announcement that the Negeri Sembilan state government has de-gazetted the eight hectares of Malay reserve land which allows MTUC to go ahead with the construction of a labour training institute on it.

The land cost MTUC RM1.2 million. It has until midyear to pay up or an extended deadline till yearend to pay up.

Tomorrows eagerly-awaited election will see if Zainal continues with his 17-year reign or relinquishes his seat to challenger Syed Shahir who has the backing of MTUC secretary-general G Rajasekaran.

About 600 delegates will vote for 16 positions, excluding the deputy MTUC president post which was retained unopposed by incumbent Mohd Shafie BP Mammal two weeks ago.