MTUC Sarawak backs Lo as Idris blasts his statement

KUCHING: The comment by Malaysian Trades Union Congress ( MTUC) Sarawak secretary Andrew Lo that the state government had failed to create decent-paying jobs for Sarawakians has riled PBB information chief Datuk Idris Buang.

The Muara Tuang assemblyman said Lo’s comment was ‘ totally outrageous’ and reckoned it was a personal statement with a political agenda.

“I was informed by some insiders in MTUC that Lo’s statement was purely his own and was not passed in any meeting of the Sarawak division of MTUC.

“His accusation against the state government, which in simple terms could mean the state government is doing nothing in jobs creation, is totally outrageous,” said Idris in a statement issued yesterday.

He also said Lo was abusing his position as MTUC Sarawak secretary in issuing the statement, which he described as ‘ unprofessional, crude and containing unverified information’.

According to Idris, jobs creation has always been a priority for the Sarawak government in its effort to stimulate economic growth and development.

“Lo should check the results of efforts by various government entities before painting a wrong and dishonest picture for cheap publicity. He can check with the SPU (State Planning Unit) for such information.

“MTUC ought to be a strategic partner of the state government as well as the federal government, instead of a ready tool or vehicle for any political agenda.”

On Tuesday, Lo said the government’s failure to create decent-paying jobs via its ‘politics of development’ was the reason why tens of thousands of Sarawakians had sought employment in Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and other overseas countries over the past decades.

He also cited the result of a study which found that 10 of the 17 poorest districts in the country are in Sarawak, as further proof that the politics of development had not created any decent jobs.

Lo was commenting on the recent case of the 47 Malaysians – 40 of whom are Sarawakians – who were locked up in Cambodia after allegedly being tricked by a jobs scam syndicate.

He said it was ‘embarrassing’ that Sarawak youths now believe there were better opportunities for them in Cambodia rather than back at home.

Meanwhile, in an immediate response to Idris’ statement against Lo, MTUC Sarawak leapt to the defence of its secretary, with its chairman Mohamad Ibrahim Hamid commenting that Lo had merely raised issues involving the economic wellbeing of Sarawakians.

Mohamad Ibrahim stressed that Lo’s statement was not a personal view, but was in fact issued in his capacity as MTUC Sarawak secretary and sanctioned by the division.

“All statements made by Lo as the secretary of MTUC Sarawak are fully approved and endorsed by MTUC Sarawak, affiliates and workers in Sarawak.

“It is his core responsibility to raise all issues involving the social and economic wellbeing of Sarawakians, and we have full confidence in him doing so without fear or favour,” he said.

On Idris’ reaction, Mohamad Ibrahim said he was ‘disappointed, but not entirely surprised’.

“Instead of addressing the legitimate issues raised, PBB chooses to go on a personal attack and question the integrity of our officials.

“Lo’s statement reflects the stance of MTUC, as has been consistently expressed on many occasions.”