29/12/2025

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Malaysian Paper

/thesundaily /

Unity govt stable despite challenges within Umno

Same union names inevitable, says ex-MP Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

inevitable, trajectory.” Despite

given

Umno’s

post-2018

o Experts say grassroots discontent and electoral realities expose tensions, but lack of alternatives keeps party anchored in government

PETALING JAYA: Similar names among trade unions in the same industry are unavoidable when their organisational scope overlaps, said former MP Sivarasa Rasiah, as objections rise over a newly registered union in the rubber sector. The Department of Trade Unions recently registered the National Union of Employees in Companies Manufacturing Rubber Products (2) 2024, alongside the long-established National Union of Employees in Companies Manufacturing Rubber Products, which has been registered since 1962. On Dec 23, theSun reported that veteran trade unionist K. Veeriah had raised objections over the similarity in the names. Sivarasa, a labour lawyer, said the issue must be understood in light of amendments made last year to the Trade Unions Act 1959 which expanded workers’ freedom to form and choose between unions operating in the same industry, sector or workplace – even when an existing union is already established. “The objections of some unionists that you cannot have another union with the same scope have been overtaken by the new law. “Bearing in mind that the same scope is now allowed, can the new name be said to be irrational, unreasonable or contrary to Section 12?” he asked, adding that while the names are similar, they are not identical. Under Section 12(3)(e)(i) of the Act, the director-general (DG) must refuse registration if a proposed union name is identical to an existing union or if it resembles an existing union to the extent that, in the DG’s opinion, it is likely to deceive the public or members of either union. Sivarasa said unions organising workers in the same sector face practical naming constraints, particularly when their membership scope is identical. “If they try to use different words, they may end up with vague, unclear or confusing names.” He added that similarity in names should not automatically be considered unlawful. “Whilst the name is similar, it is not identical.” The numerical addition to the new union’s name, Sivarasa argued, clearly distinguishes it as a separate entity with its own leadership and aspirations. “The discerning public who read both names will probably realise they are different unions and not the same.” In the current legal context, Sivarasa said, allowing multiple unions in the same industry makes any court challenge to the registration unlikely to succeed. He emphasised that the amendments were introduced to strengthen workers’ freedom of choice in deciding who should represent them in collective bargaining, with support from both the labour movement and the government to improve compliance with International Labour Organisation conventions. “However, only one union is allowed to collectively bargain with the employer,” he said, adding that the union chosen to represent workers is determined by a ballot. Meanwhile, employment lawyer Cheong Yew Sheng said the 2024 amendments did not alter statutory restrictions governing union names. “The 2024 amendment did not affect Section 12 of the Trade Unions Act 1959; it remains fully applicable today,” said Cheong. He added that the DG’s discretion in approving union names is strictly subject to Section 12(3) of the Act and is not unfettered.

these strains, International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst and Iseas–Yusof Ishak Institute fellow Assoc Prof Dr Syaza Shukri said the coalition is expected to hold. “I believe the government is more or less stable because the numbers are there. What is under stress is the narrative war – what the government can or will do. Whatever it decides will not satisfy everyone. Yet the government endures because the top leadership maintain good relations,” she said. Calls by Umno figures such as Dr Akmal Salleh and Tan Sri Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah to reconsider the party’s role in the Unity government, Syaza added, underline Umno’s continued leverage within the coalition. “It’s more about signalling that Umno should not be taken for granted. It is a constant reminder to Pakatan Harapan that this is a transactional relationship,” she said. For now, both experts agree that the likelihood of Umno exiting the Unity government remains low. Syaza noted that the political cost of leaving would outweigh the benefits of staying. “It is about managing pressures so that Barisan Nasional can secure what it wants from the partnership. Of course, the relationship is likely to be recalibrated as GE16 approaches,” she said. Maintaining stability, added Syaza, will depend on clear messaging, strong internal party management and the ability to deliver tangible benefits to the public. “Coordination is key. Umno must communicate the benefits of being in government and ensure delivery on the ground so supporters can accept the BN–PH partnership despite the legal drama.” internal

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

credible alternative coalition that can guarantee both power and stability.” He said recent local-level disputes have also brought underlying tensions to the surface. For instance, Umno Puchong’s decision to sever ties with DAP over remarks by MP Yeo Bee Yin made headlines, which Awang Azman described as largely symbolic. “It reflects local frustrations and identity politics rather than a coordinated national strategy. At this stage, there is no clear evidence that the move represents a widespread or organised trend across Umno divisions. Nevertheless, it signals persistent grassroots discomfort that the leadership cannot afford to ignore.” The Dec 26 conviction of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak in the 1MDB case added another layer of strain. The High Court found him guilty on four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering involving nearly RM2.2 billion. The verdict has dominated Umno’s internal discourse over the past week, with party leaders defending Najib while also debating Umno’s position within the government. Awang Azman said the conviction did not create new fractures within the party, but instead exposed and accelerated existing ones. “The party has long been divided between loyalty to past leadership, reformist impulses and survivalist pragmatism. These divisions were already entrenched and to some extent

PETALING Unity government is holding, but signs of strain are beginning to surface. Rising tensions within Umno and friction with coalition partners such as DAP are testing the government’s cohesion, analysts said, even as the alliance remains structurally intact. Universiti Malaya socio-political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said that while disagreements are increasingly visible, the coalition continues to endure. “Umno’s internal tensions and its public disagreements with partners such as DAP are not new, but are to be expected in a broad coalition that brings together parties with differing ideological positions. “While rhetoric on both sides can at times appear uncompromising, there remains a strong shared interest in preserving government stability, particularly to avoid another cycle of political upheaval. Pragmatism, rather than sentiment, continues to underpin the coalition.” The growing unease among Umno’s grassroots over the party’s role in the Anwar Ibrahim-led government is beginning to influence internal discussions. Yet Awang Azman said this dissatisfaction has not translated into a unified or decisive push for withdrawal. “Umno’s leadership remains constrained by electoral realities and the absence of a JAYA: Malaysia’s GUA MUSANG: Six Orang Asli settlements in Kelantan have been identified as high-risk areas for potential disasters due to continuous rainfall from the ongoing Northeast Monsoon. Kelantan and Terengganu Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa) director Mohd Faedzyal Mohamed said the locations identified as hot spots are Pos Lebir, Pos Bihai, Pos Balar, Pos Belatim, Pos Simpor and Pos Gob. He said above-average rainfall during the ongoing monsoon has compromised soil stability, increasing the risk of natural disasters in these areas. “Prolonged rainfall often leads to landslides, road closures from overflowing rivers and damage to road infrastructure. This situation directly impacts the daily activities and movement of Orang Asli residents in these areas.” In this regard, Mohd Faedzyal said his department remains in constant contact and in close cooperation with relevant agencies to ensure the welfare of the Orang Asli community, particularly those in remote areas, is safeguarded. He also said Jakoa has distributed food aid and basic necessities to affected residents to help ease their burden during the disaster period. Mohd Faedzyal reminded the Orang Asli community to remain vigilant and to travel in groups when conducting activities in forested areas. It was reported yesterday that the Malaysian Meteorological Department had issued a continuous rain warning at the danger level, with expected flooding in several Kelantan districts from yesterday until tomorrow. – Bernama

Six Orang Asli settlements identified as disaster hotspots

Mohd Faedzyal said above-average rainfall during the ongoing monsoon has caused landslides, overflowing rivers and road closures in several hotspots in Orang Asli settlements in Kelantan. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN