Sim defends pro-worker record amid court ruling

 

Amid a trade dispute, former human resources minister Steven Sim stressed that he would always side with workers, adding that his record in government consistently reflected that approach.

Sim (above) said that past criticism from employers that he was “too aligned with the workers” was a testament to his pro-worker stance during his time in that role, Free Malaysia Today reported.

“My stand is very clear. From my time in the ministry, my position has been clear and proven through what I have done, whether in terms of policy, programmes, or legislation, we stand with workers. That is very clear,” he said after the DAP's 60th anniversary celebration committee launch.

The DAP leader served as the human resources minister from December 2023 to December 2025.

Sim, who currently serves as entrepreneur and cooperatives development minister, said that his position on the issue remains, and all ongoing proceedings should be left to the judiciary.

“This case is already in court, so I think we should let the court decide. But my position is clear: to safeguard the interests of the people, especially the majority, especially workers.

“The court case is still ongoing. We will let the court make the next decision,” he added.

‘Biased minister’

Yesterday, the Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled that a former human resources minister acted in a biased manner by intervening in a dispute between banks and their employees over 2024’s Hari Raya festive aid payments.

According to the New Straits Times, judge Aliza Sulaiman said the minister had violated the trust and confidence placed in his office when he involved himself in the dispute while the issue was still undergoing mediation.

While the court did not name the minister, the National Union of Bank Employees (Nube) had in 2024 accused Sim of abuse of power and breach of trust.

At the time, Nube alleged that Sim had sidelined workers in favour of negotiations with their employers, represented by the Malayan Commercial Banks’ Association (MCBA), for a festival aid payment.

While Nube argued that the payment formed part of the understanding reached under the parties’ collective agreement and that bank employees were entitled to the festive aid, the banks instead proposed a reduced, one-off ex gratia payment, which the union rejected.

The matter was brought to the Industrial Relations Department for conciliation. Nube subsequently filed a judicial review to challenge the then-minister’s decision to refer the dispute to the industrial court. - Mkini