MTUC blames poor turnout on fear factor

It was a disappointing turnout at the rally organised by Malaysian Trades Union Congress (Penang division) in Butterworth this morning to oppose the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Only about 300 were present at Jalan Siram, where the rally was held, and not the expected 3,000, although this is the Congress' first shot at such a rally.

State MTUC chief S Ravindran said the poor turnout was due to the fear factor as several local newspapers quoted the police claiming that the peaceful protest was "illegal".

"We are really disappointed that this happened, that the reporters involved did not contact us to clarify the matter," he said during his speech.

"Why instill fear in workers and stop them from attending this rally? We have the right to gather and besides we have a permit,

"We are not disturbing anyone, we are educated and we know how to organise a peaceful rally," he added.

However, Ravindran also pointed out that some of its members have gone to Kuala Lumpur to join the national rally themed "Anti GST- Until it is dropped" while others were in Kedah for another May Day gathering.

He was referring to reports quoting North Seberang Perai district police chief ACP Abdul Rahman Ibrahim, who said on April 24 that he was not aware of the rally and that he did not receive any application for a permit.

Those present were in high spirits

Despite the low turnout, those present were in hight spirits, waving colourful posters and MTUC flags, shouting anti-GST and pro-workers slogans such as "Keep Calm & Tolak GST", "Toll Tak Nak", "Increase Public Transport" and "Bantah Naik Harga".

Human rights NGO Suaram put up a mini theatre, rendered pro-workers songs while one of its representatives, Hassan Hadi, recited a poem.

Others who spoke at the two-hour event included Machang Bubuk assemblyperson Lee Khai Loon, Bersih Northern Region chairperson Toh Kin Woon, Women Crisis Centre spokesperson Prema Devaraj, MTUC state secretary K Veeriah and the Congress former state chairperson Abdul Razak Abdul Hamid.
 
The rally was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy, who said the open space for the rally was provided by the Penang Hindu Endowment Board, of which he is the chairperson.

Ramasamy questioned Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak on why the workers’ minimum wage of RM900 is not fully implemented by all employers.

"Penang government does not agree to the GST which is a burden to workers who are already earning very low income," he said.

Ramasamy said it is disappointing that Najib wants to implement the GST by April next year when the minimum wage is yet to benefit 50 percent of the country's 28 million citizens, although 90 percent of workers are ordinary and lower ranking staff.

Later, Ramasamy told the MTUC that his office would set up a committee to mobilise participants for next year's May Day rally in Penang.

Meanwhile, Abdul Razak said workers should appreciate the union.

"It is a shame that workers are not joining unions and not interested in participating in its activities when the NGO can help you fight for your rights.

"Who do you expect to help you? The government? Are the trade unions. Illegal? No! Then why people are not interested in it?" he added.