Unionist surprised by appointment as new HR minister’s aide

The Malaysian trade union movement is abuzz with excitement and optimism for enhanced workers’ rights following the appointment of a trade unionist as one of the aides to the newly minted human resources minister, Steven Sim.

However, the man himself, Chee Yeeh Ceeu, 38, is filled with a sense of commitment to workers, all the while maintaining a conscientious sense of neutrality required by his new role. 

“It was a surprise to me,” he told Malaysiakini, adding that the appointment conveyed a sense of satisfaction that the movement was receiving the recognition it deserved after all these years. 

The MTUC general council member and general treasurer of the National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE) will be relinquishing both his posts to take up his new full-time position as the special duties officer to the minister. 

“My responsibility will expand union participation in policy-making, ensuring it is not limited to a select few but involves a larger number of unions. 

“The most important thing in my mind is to continue to do my best for workers. 

“The minister (Sim) has reminded me of the need to remain neutral, a practice I have followed for 15 years as a union member and leader when dealing with employers’ complaints against union members,” said Chee. 

No threat to employers

Chee said employers should view his appointment positively as someone who has had many years of experience in employer engagement and not someone who is aligned with any one trade union.

Following his appointment, Chee has been flooded with congratulatory calls, often accompanied by reminders of issues dear to his well-wishers. 

However, his new role extends beyond the scope of trade unionism and he aims to take the necessary time to comprehend the structure, ensuring meaningful action for everyone. 

In a statement after his appointment, Sim emphasised his dedication to standing alongside employees and appointing the trade union activist was a manifestation of his commitment. 

“This appointment opens the door for increased worker participation in policymaking at the ministerial level,” said Sim.

Having met in Penang, in 2008, when Chee was running a campaign to win the right to 90 days maternity leave for women workers, he was impressed with Sim’s support for the cause which the latter labelled as “noble”.

“In 2010, NUBE was successful in including this clause into its collective agreement. 

“We were not close, as he had his political work and I, my union work, but he was always supportive of workers’ issues,” said Chee.

Labour groups welcome appointment

The Union Network International-Malaysia Labour Centre (UNI-MLC) president Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal said Chee’s appointment was a clear indication that Sim is a minister who dares to make changes. 

“Usually ministers appoint their aides from their respective political circles, but we view Sim’s prudent choice of a trade unionist as his investment in workers’ interest,” said Shafie. 

Shafie is confident Chee’s trade union experience will give the minister a clear view of crucial trade union issues like the recent amendments to the Trade Union Act 1959, which stirred controversy within the trade union community.

“The amendments may have been passed in both houses of Parliament, yet there is still room for precise interpretation and application of these amendments,” said Shafie.

Meanwhile, other trade union leaders also offer a positive perspective on Chee’s appointment.

MTUC president Mohd Effendy Abdul Ghani said Chee’s appointment honours the trade union movement when the country’s labour policies including the wage structure were changing. 

The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) president Adnan Mat views it as a symbol of the minister’s openness to building relations and listening directly to the grassroots.

Penang MTUC secretary K Veeriah said the move emphasised the minister’s commitment to the working-class struggle and expectation that he would fulfil his responsibilities. - Mkini