THE Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) is still in the dark over its purported suspension, as stated in a Registrar of Societies letter that it has yet to get, but has been shared widely on social media.

Secretary-general J. Solomon said MTUC will cooperate with Selangor RoS’ request for an explanation after the group receives the letter.

“MTUC will extend full cooperation and adhere to the contents of the RoS letter once it receives it.

“In the meantime, MTUC’s services to workers and affiliates will go on as normal,” he said in a statement this evening.

The group met the state RoS today to clear the air over the letter, dated December 16, that said MTUC has been temporarily suspended pending clarification on certain matters.

However, said Solomon, the said matters were not specified at the meeting.

MTUC sought the talks after a screenshot of the letter went viral.

Solomon said at the meeting, a senior state RoS official confirmed that a letter dated December 16 was sent out, but then rescinded.

A fresh letter dated December 18 was then issued to MTUC, but the secretary-general said the group has yet to receive it.

The state RoS told the meeting that MTUC must suspend its working, general council and delegates’ meetings pending a written explanation on certain issues, to be submitted within 30 days.

“As MTUC has not received the December 18 notice, and given the lack of details by Selangor RoS at the meeting, MTUC is in the dark as to the reason behind the notification for its temporary suspension, pending a response from the union,” said Solomon.

The episode follows Sarawak chapter secretary Andrew Lo’s claim that MTUC has not convened a full general council meeting since the 2016 elections for the current leadership.

Lo said the general council, which comprises affiliate unions and MTUC divisions, must meet at least once every six months.

MTUC’s alleged failure to hold these meetings is believed to have prompted the letter from RoS. – December 20, 2019.