Veteran unionists concede that there is much need to revitalise a workers movement hurt by low membership, factionalism and ineffective leadership, but are divided over the passing of the Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill 2022, which aims to abolish restrictions on the formation of trade unions.

Former Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) president Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud is one of those who feel that the amendments, which allow a multiplicity of trade unions, might prove a shot in the arm for a movement that needs it badly.

“There are those who are concerned that this would weaken unions, but the reality is that...