With the triennial elections in the country's major workers' organisation, the Malaysian Trades Union Congress, a little over a month away, the rift among its top leadership appears to be widening.

MTUC secretary-general G Rajasekaran ( right ), one of the top leaders involved in the power struggle, expressed regret today that his former ally, congress president Zainal Rampak, had changed over the past few years.

"Zainal ( left ) has always been very vocal but there was a marked change after 1999," Rajasekaran told malaysiakini .

The differences between the top guns have been apparent since nominations for the top posts were announced earlier this month when the two openly challenged each other by fielding candidates from their respective camps to contest against each other.

Union leaders of the 500,000-strong MTUC, who will meet in Petaling Jaya on March 3 for its 35th triennial delegates' conference, are expected to see a bitter contest between Zainal's and Rajasekaran's camps.

Zainal has served as president since 1985 while Rajasekaran has been secretary-general since 1993.

Same man

When contacted, Zainal insisted that he was the same man today as the person who was elected into the congress' top post 17 years ago.

"I have always been fighting for the workers and I have never changed my principles. I am still speaking in the same language since 1985 when I became MTUC president," said Zainal, who was also made a full senator in December 1998.

He said allegations that he had sold out the workers were done out of jealousy, but added that he was not referring to anyone in particular.

Rajasekaran also expressed his dissatisfaction over Zainal's leadership.

"The people and the affiliates of the MTUC expect a lot from us and they rely on us to speak out. When we pick on an issue, there must be follow ups and plans of action. I think this is where we differ," Rajasekaran said.

Zainal, however, said that it did not matter what the method was as long as the goals of the workers are achieved.

"Times change and we must change the methods with the times. But we must remember that the ultimate goal is to get what we want for the workers," Zainal said.

"However, I cannot stop people from disagreeing with me and they are free to express their views," Zainal said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Human Resources Minister Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad called on the two to patch their up their differences when contacted by malaysiakini .

"We should not try to sensationalise this issue. They should know what they are doing and they should know what they are saying," Latiff said.