Remembering Prominent Trade Unionists Who Died in 2024
Leaders Who Left a Lasting Impact
Workers across the country, trade unions, and the Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) were deeply saddened by the loss of prominent trade unionists in 2024. Their contributions and dedication to the labour movement will be remembered and cherished.
Zainal Rampak
Zainal Rampak, whom I had the privilege of knowing since 1982, passed away on July 4, 2024, at the age of 84. He served as the president of MTUC from 1986 to 2004. Under his leadership, MTUC was regarded as dynamic and well-respected.
Zainal was a mentor to many unionists. He served as the general secretary of the Transport Workers Union for many years until his last day. Additionally, he was a two-term senator and was elected to the International Labour Organization (ILO) governing body, a position of great prestige.
From 2001 to 2009, he chaired the International Transport Workers Asia Pacific Region. He played a pivotal role in establishing the Workers Institute of Technology (WIT). Even in his final days, he worked tirelessly to resolve internal conflicts within MTUC.
Matkar Siwang
Matkar Siwang, who was the elected deputy president of MTUC, passed away on September 24, 2024. He also served as an elected vice-president of MTUC and chaired the Occupational Health and Safety Committee for six years.
Matkar was the president of the Food Industry Employees Union from 2016 until his passing. He and I worked closely together, meeting regularly to discuss current affairs and union matters.
Peter Kandiah
Peter Kandiah, a former sub-editor of The Star, passed away on September 17, 2024, at the age of 74. He served as the deputy general secretary of the National Union of Journalists Peninsular Malaysia (NUJ) from 1986 to 1988 and was an MTUC industrial relations practitioner, representing workers at the industrial and labour courts for many years.
His expertise and commitment were invaluable to the trade union movement.
A Sivananthan
A Sivananthan passed away on May 22, 2024. He was the executive secretary of the Selangor Textiles Workers Union from the 1980s to 2007 and served as the elected financial secretary of MTUC from 1999 to 2006.
Sivananthan possessed extensive knowledge of labour laws and was a trusted representative for workers at the industrial and labour courts.
He was one of the few trade unionists with vast expertise in Socso matters. He also assisted many unions with organizing and collective agreements.
On a personal note, I often sought advice from Siva and Peter on industrial court cases, and both were always helpful to me and other industrial relations practitioners.
A Lasting Legacy
The passing of these respectable, knowledgeable, and committed leaders is a great loss to workers and trade unions. They leave behind a legacy of unwavering dedication, integrity, and passion for justice in the workplace.
Personally, their mentorship, camaraderie, and invaluable wisdom have shaped my own journey in the labour movement. Their absence is deeply felt, but their contributions will inspire generations to come.
Conclusion
Their passing serves as a reminder of the importance of their work and the impact they had on the lives of countless workers. Their legacy will continue to inspire and guide us in our pursuit of justice and equality in the workplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who were the prominent trade unionists who passed away in 2024?
A: Zainal Rampak, Matkar Siwang, Peter Kandiah, and A Sivananthan.
Q: What were their contributions to the labour movement?
A: They were all dedicated and knowledgeable leaders who made significant contributions to the labour movement, including serving as presidents, vice-presidents, and committee chairs of various trade unions and the MTUC.
Q: What will be their lasting legacy?
A: Their legacy will continue to inspire and guide workers and trade unions in their pursuit of justice and equality in the workplace.