Picket Daulat 6413 turns musical

The protest organised by the National Union of Banks Employees becomes a musical event, showcasing bhangra, drummers and 'Oppa Gangnam style' performances.

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Union Banking Employees (NUBE) “Picket Daulat 6413″ protest today, attended by some 10,000 banking sector employees, turned out to be a colourful event with musical performances.

NUBE members from various states converged at Dataran Maybank here this afternoon, arriving in bus loads to show their displeasure against their employers.

The event kicked off with four members from Ipoh NUBE branch performing musical items using bhangra drums. The upbeat performance led to some members dancing to the Punjabi beat.

Their performance lasted for about 45 minutes before the protest officially took off at 2pm.

In addition, several other NUBE picketing members played the drums. Others showed their support by blowing vuvuzelas.

Some also danced to the beat of world famous Korean song “Oppa Gangnam Style” which was originally performed by Psy.

Police cordoned had off Menara Maybank opposite the Mydin shopping complex as early as 12.30 noon with red and white striped tapes.

There were traffic policemen around to ensure traffic flow was smooth. NUBE staff also ensured that their picketing members were safe.

One ambulance from Malaysian Red Crescent Society branch was on standby.

The “Picket Daulat 6413″ protest is held to highlight the unjustified actions of CIMB that belonged to Prime Minister Najib Razak’s brother Nazir Razak, Maybank and Bank Muamalat.

During the protest, NUBE vice-president, Abdul Jamil Jalaludin warned: “If our plight and demands go unheeded, we will also show our power at the ballot box.”

Jamil also happens to be Jalan Sempadan Umno branch chairman in Bukit Bendera, Penang.

NUBE chief J Solomon told FMT four days ago that the protest was held because the banks were “exercising financial muscle to compromise workers and customers welfare”.

He accused Maybank, CIMB and Bank Muamalat of practising racial discrimination and being abusive to female staff.

NUBE is also unhappy over the bankss action in laying off senior workers and creating unemployment. The banks are also accused of promoting income inequality.

NUBE is also picketing against CIMB as it sees CIMB’s actions of removing the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s picture in the banks as an insult to the monarchy.

The picket ended at 4.20pm.

There were no untoward incidents. Police have also also confirmed that no arrest was made.

Solomon said the picket was a success because bank employees can no longer accept the discrimination practised by the banks.

“If Maybank, CIMB, and Bank Muamalat can’t look into the welfare of the bank employees, please resign,” he said.