Suhakam staffers postpone pickets, Cuepacs vows to help

Summary

• Suhakam employees delay their picket after Cuepacs pledges to address their concerns.

• Protests target salary hikes for deputy secretaries, unequal evaluations, and exclusion from the SSPA.

Hours before their planned picket, employees of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) postponed the event after receiving advice from Cuepacs president Adnan Mat.

According to Suhakam interim union president Elza Nadiah Shaik Sulaiman, Adnan assured her that Cuepacs would engage with Suhakam to address the workers’ concerns.

“Cuepacs will discuss the three issues raised,” Elza (above) told Malaysiakini.

This development follows Suhakam’s statement yesterday expressing its openness to dialogue regarding disputes with staff over pay and human resources policies.

The commissioner also reaffirmed its independence and commitment to upholding the Paris Principles, which outline the roles and responsibilities of national human rights institutions.

Previously, Elza said that the picket aimed to protest three alleged issues:

• An announcement that three deputy secretaries were being given salary increments.

• An announcement that the same deputy secretaries have a different performance evaluation system compared to other Suhakam officials.

• Suhakam purportedly denying workers participation in the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA).

Elza further expressed her concerns about her future with the commission.

“There is a possibility of termination and I have my family to think of as well.

“I (might) stand to face disciplinary action because I am not supposed to speak to the media,” she said.

In a statement, Adnan requested the Suhakam chairperson and the Prime Minister's Department to facilitate open discussions on the dispute.

He said Cuepacs also thanked the workers for agreeing to discontinue the planned picket.

This is because picketing is not necessary at this time since negotiations and discussions can be carried out instead, he explained.

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