PETALING JAYA, May 1 — The only day in a year set aside to celebrate workers’ achievements is overshadowed today by multiple rallies protesting against a new controversial consumption tax due to roll out next year.
In a subdued celebration, some 500 members of the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC), which represents over 10 groups, flocked to the Dataran Petaling Jaya here but occupied just a tiny portion of the large green field.
The low-key turnout did not pass unnoticed. MTUC president Mohd Khalid Atan attributed it to the lack of public awareness.
“I wish the public would understand what MTUC is doing, what the workers are trying to do.
“We are just trying to create a decent living for all workers, which also include the public,” he told The Malay Mail Online after their rally, which kicked off at 8am.
He lamented the lack of support to highlight the workers’ struggle, but took the public snub as a challenge to the MTUC to ramp up its efforts.
Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim and his colleague, Dr Halimah Ali, the state executive councillor in charge of Education, Higher Education and Human Capital Development Committee, were the two notable dignitaries who attended the Workers’ Day rally.
In a news conference later, Khalid said the state has agreed to MTUC’s request for land to build its training centre and has set aside three acres.
He did not disclose the location.
