FORMER Congress of Union of Employees in the Public and Civil Services Malaysia (Cuepacs) President Azih Muda will be replaced by the union’s current head on the Social Security Organisation’s board.

Azih’s removal will come into effect today, along with four others – Andrew Lo, Yong Hee Kong, Wee Hock Kee, and Japar Abd Majid.

Azih said he will be replaced by current Cuepacs president Adnan Mat.

“I will be replaced by the new Cuepacs president. It is not political (the removals),” he said.

Meanwhile, it is also understood that the two Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) representatives on the board, Andrew Lo and Japar Abd Majid will also be replaced by other unionists. 

The Malaysian Insight understands that MTUC president Abdul Halim Mansor could return to the board.

Halim has yet to respond to The Malaysian Insight’s queries.

Halim was removed from the Socso board on September 2018 and replaced by the union’s secretary-general J. Solomon. 

Solomon was eventually terminated on December 31 and replaced by Japar.

Saravanan will present the appointment letters to new board members  at 11.30am today.

Lo and Japar was appointed by the former Pakatan Harapan government, while sources said Yong and Wee were appointed by the current administration, which is just over 100 days old.

The workers fund has 14 board members, including three representatives from the Human Resources, Finance and Health Ministries.

This latest spate of high-profile changes to Socso’s management comes after insurance industry veteran Zakri Khir was replaced as chief executive officer by Sabak Bernam MP Mohd Fasiah Mohd Fakeh of Bersatu in April. – June 15, 2020.