MTUC takes Kulasegaran to task over remarks against Solomon

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) has taken Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran to task over the latter's remarks against the congress’ secretary-general, J. Solomon.

The MTUC which represents unionised workers in the private sector nationwide said the minister’s verbal attack against its secretary-general was childish and had no substance.

Congress president Datuk Halim Mansor said Kulasegaran has to be schooled on how to behave like a responsible minister who is open to constructive criticism.

“Such an indecent attack was in retaliation to Solomon’s statement where he merely asked for clarification on media reports of Malaysia agreeing to bring in 150,000 Pakistanis to work as security guards.

“It is obvious that Kulasegaran needs to be schooled on how to behave like a responsible minister who is open to constructive criticism and most importantly, be modest when dealing with workers and unions.

“He chooses MTUC to be the target of late and his criticisms have become personal and vile,” he said in a statement.

Halim said the MTUC had noticed that Kulasegaran had blocked many criticisms from citizens and workers on his Facebook account, an action which suggests that he is not open to criticism.

He adds that this could be construed that the minister was not interested in the welfare of workers in the country.

Halim said he as the president of MTUC and Solomon as the congress secretary-general and other union leaders would continue voicing the concerns of workers without fear or favour, in the best interest of 15 million workers.

He suggested Kualsegaran to upgrade his management skills as a Minister to better serve workers and Malaysians.

It was reported that Kulasegaran labeled Solomon as “reckless, irresponsible and brash” when the congress secretary-general sought the minister’s response over reports that Malaysia would hire between 100,000 and 150,000 security guards from Pakistan.

Halim explained that Solomon’s call was based on the fact that Kulasegaran’s ministry was responsible for all workers in the country, including migrant workers.

“In view of this, his immediate reaction would have been to ask the Home Ministry for clarification on the matter to explain to Malaysians.

“This urging was the essence of Solomon’s statement where he had highlighted the concern of the country’s national security if the report was true, as it involved foreigners with limited education who will be tasked with guarding public assets, housing estates among other key buildings,” he said.