Despite calls for reconciliation from the Human Resource Minister Dr Fong Chan Onn and the Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) leadership, a breakaway group from MTUC maintained that the decision to 'get out' is final.

The yet-to-be-registered Malaysian National Workers Organsation (MNWO) pro tem president Abdul Razak Hassan told malaysiakini today that despite his dedication towards the struggle of workers, the divorce was imminent.

He said the MTUC under its present leadership was not able to bring about the much needed change in the welfare of the working class nor was it willing to listen to the grassroots.

"Many issues raised before he (MTUC president Syed Sharir Syed Mohamad - photo) was elected has yet to be resolved. Their strategy is always ad hoc , without necessary discussions and presenting inadequate facts to the government," said Abdul Razak.

He declined to elaborate on specific problems within the MTUC as well as specific plans that would be implemented in the future, adding that all would be revealed once MNWO was formally registered.

Non-benefit members

Describing the MTUC to be in 'critical condition', Abdul Razak believed that more than half of the existing MTUC affiliates are not 'benefit members', which can be read as a protest against the leadership.

By paying affiliation fees, trade unions are allowed seats on the MTUC general council and also enjoy voting rights during congress elections.

"If the present MTUC leaders were serious about worker's solidarity, they would have found ways for more affiliates to pay their fees for greater cooperation among unions," he said in reaction to Syed Sharir's plea for unity for the sake of worker's solidarity.

Abdul Razak added that many disgruntled groups are in the midst of making the jump to MNWO, which already has 20 confirmed members, while others are waiting for the new body to be formally registered.

The MNWO hopes to submit its registration within the next two months pending discussions with the Registrar of Societies.

Win-win situation

To a question, Abdul Razak said that the MNWO would be focusing more on maintaining good ties with the government in order to resolve problems among workers.

"We are not hoping that we will always win (with our demands). But what is important is achieving a win-win situation," he said.

Abdul Razak, a former MTUC vice-president, also disagreed with the decision by the MTUC to hold a public rally at KLCC on March 26 in protest against the recent fuel price hike.

"Even if they can gather 100,000 people, what for? It won't solve the problem," said Abdul Razak, who is also president of the Railwaymen's Union Malaysia.

When asked about his meeting with Fong yesterday, Abdul Razak said that he and representatives from three other unions briefed the minister about the purpose of the new organisation.