Perak factory hands are a neglected lot as there is no Barisan Nasional state exco member with expertise in labour laws able to resolve their disputes with their management, according to the opposition.

corpse snatching general hospital case 301106 a sivanesan DAP national labour bureau chief A Sivanesan ( right) said "They do not have the expertise and experience like the DAP in dealing with the workers' problems and tend to sweep them under the carpet."

Sivanesan who is a labour lawyer was the former Pakatan executive councillor for Human Resources and had held executive posts in labour unions like the Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC).

"Umno has insulted the intelligence of poor factory workers in Sungai Siput, who were fighting to get their salaries before the seventh of every month as stipulated in the country's labour laws," he said.

Allegations set off exchange

The latest bit of fireworks was ignited by BN Lintang assemblyperson Ahmad Pakeh Adam who reportedly alleged that illegal demonstrations and gatherings have been taking place in Sungei Siput ever since the opposition wrested control of the parliamentary constituency there together with the Jalong state seat from the BN in the 2008 polls.

mamak restaurant fiasco 150606 ahmad adam Ahmad ( left) was also quoted as saying that such events had never occurred during BN's rule of the Sungai Siput constituency.

This claim was rubbished by Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) Sungai Siput MP Dr D Jeyakumar personal assistant S Nagentran.

He said that a big demonstration had also occurred during BN's rule in the 1970s.

Sungai Siput Parliamentary constituency consists of the state seats of Jalong held by DAP's Leong Mee Meng and Lintang by Umno's Ahmad.

Sivanesan said "It is the right of workers to strike or protest if the management does not fulfil the conditions of employment.

"It is easy for Ahmad to draw his salary at any ATM machine at the end of every month," said. "But for these poor labourers, holding back their salaries is a financial burden, especially with the start of the school when they need to buy uniforms and school materials for their children."

On Jan 19, about 200 workers had walked out of their factories producing car accessories in Sungai Siput when the management had held back their salaries, citing financial problems.

However, with the intervention of PSM members the matter was resolved.