Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has not held a single meeting with leaders of the Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC), revealed Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang today.

"I am shocked to learn from MTUC president Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud that in his 44 months as prime minister, Abdullah never met with MTUC leaders despite repeated requests for a dialogue," he told a press conference at the Parliament lobby.

According to Lim, this casts an adverse reflection on the premier's inclinations and sympathies.

"A pro-labour prime minister would have had several meetings with MTUC leaders already in the three years and eight months Abdullah has been prime minister," he said.

The opposition leader urged the premier to immediately rectify this 'failing' in his leadership.

Lim also said that MTUC had presented a seven-page memorandum to Abdullah a week before the union carried out a nationwide picket on Monday, but the memorandum did not elicit any appropriate response from Abdullah.

On Monday, MTUC staged a nationwide picket in 14 locations after discussions with the government on its campaign for a minimum wage of RM900 and cost of living (Cola) of RM300 for private sector employees came to a deadlock.

Lim said Abdullah's first priority upon returning from his official visit to Russia, Italy and Bosnia should be to meet with MTUC leaders.

"Abdullah should initiate a tripartite dialogue on MTUC's demand for minimum wage and Cola for private sector workers to avert a large scale industrial action which would not be conducive to enhancing Malaysia's international competitiveness," he said.

Fostering integrity

Meanwhile, Lim also urged Abdullah to ensure that all ministers and deputy ministers read a book titled National Integrity System .

He said the book, commissioned by the Malaysian Institute of Integrity, was launched in May by the prime minister.

"It talks about the role of various parties, including the executive, in contributing to national integrity.

"The executive plays a role in building, maintaining and respecting the country's integrity system," he said, adding that a clear leadership and political will are needed to maintain a clean government.

Citing the example of a deputy minister from Sarawak who is under police probe for his alleged involvement in gangsterism, Lim urged him to come forward and explain.

"A deputy minister who dare not openly answer questions on whether he is investigated by the police does not foster the culture of integrity," he said.

Nobody is condemning him as guilty, but the question is whether or not he is under investigation, he added.

"The public is interested to know if a deputy minister is under police investigation," said Lim, who also urged Abdullah to disclose the name of this deputy minister.

On June 25, The Star reported that a deputy minister and a senior politician in Sarawak are under police probe for alleged involvement in gangsterism, illegal logging and attempted bribery of senior police officers.