A-G Chambers to file appeal

BY SIMON KHOO

SEREMBAN: The Attorney-General's Chambers will file an appeal against a High Court judgment to nullify the Director-General of Trade Unions (DGTU) decision in recognising one faction of the National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE) as the union’s legitimate office-bearers.  

Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr Fong Chan Onn said the ministry would have to wait for the case to be heard at the Court of Appeal before taking the next course of action. 

“We are of the opinion that the DGTU is correct in law to accept Forms L submitted by one faction (led by Muhammad Fauzi Shamsuddin).  

“However, the High Court has quashed that decision resulting in the two factions now in a state of limbo,” he said during the 100th anniversary of the Hua Sang Association celebrations at SJK Chung Hua in Mantin near here yesterday. 

On Oct 29, the Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled that the DGTU had acted in excess of his jurisdiction when he decided to recognise the faction led by Muhammad Fauzi as NUBE’s legitimate office-bearers. 

The decision had effectively meant that none of the factions could claim to be the lawful office-bearers of the union. 

Dr Fong said whatever action the ministry would take should be based on firm grounds to avoid any unnecessary repercussions. 

“We are now detailing the extent of the improprieties and to ensure all finances and usage of funds in the union are accounted for. 

“When the time is right, we will take the necessary action,” he said, adding that at the same time, the ministry would respect the union’s autonomy so that the Government would not be slighted in the international arena. 

Dr Fong also reiterated that the longstanding crisis in NUBE was “created” by the union themselves due to a tussle for leadership.