Though the government this morning withdrew the tabling of the Employment (Amendments) Bill 2010, Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) proceeded with pickets in several locations across the country to protest the proposed amendments to the law.

psm anti employment act amendment picket 121010 Together with an umbrella network of NGOs, including Jaringan Rakyat Tertindas (Jerit), PSM held pickets in seven towns, four of which will be in Selangor, two in Perak and one in Bayan Lepas, Penang, simultaneously at 5.30pm today.

In Shah Alam, PSM president Dr Nasir Hashim told a group of 20 protestors that the withdrawal was a victory for workers, but also advised caution. 

"Although they have stalled their attempt to further discriminate workers, I think they are waiting for the right time to roll it out again under the pressure by the capitalists," said Nasir. 

In Semenyih, a small group of protestors passed out sweets to celebrate their "victory".

In Penang, a rally of about 12 participants,which was held opposite the Robert Bosch factory in the  Bayan Lepas Free Trade Zone, went on without any hitch in the presence of several policemen.

The event begun at 5.50pm and was completed about 15 minutes later, with participants shouting pro-workers slogans and carrying placards with messages of “Act or Be Oppressed” and “Reject Amendments to the Labour Law”.

PSM Bayan Baru secretary Soh Sook Hwa said the rally was held because many workers were still unaware of the proposed amendments to the labour laws in Parliament although it was deferred abruptly today.

Not a total victory

Other pickets were held in Bangi, Balakong, Sungai Siput and Ipoh.

Apart from the withdrawn Employment (Amendment) Bill 2010, they are opposing the proposed amendments to the Industrial Relations Act and the Trade Unions Act.

In the case of the Employment Act, unionists and labour activists are concerned over a new clause "contractor for labour". 

It is argued that this would have a dire effect on workers hired by labour contractors on behalf companies.

PSM secretary-general S Arutchelvan said that the withdrawal of the bill by the government was a small victory for workers.

"I'm happy that they have withdrawn the bill, but we still have to keep a close eye on it. It already quietly went through the first reading.

"The government said it wanted to get public opinion first but it did not. They just bulldozed their way through," he said.

Additional reporting by Leven Woon, Abdul Rahim Sabri and Susan Loone