22 September 2001
PRESS STATEMENT
ISSUED IN CONJUNCTION WITH
SBEU 35TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER ON 22ND SEPTEMBER 2001
1. SARAWAK LABOUR ORDINANCE
SBEU regrets that the amendment to the Sarawak Labour Ordinance has yet to be table in Parliament. We also regret that despite several requests both the Federal Government and the State Government did not initiate any discussions with trade unions and workers representative on this important issue.
2. LAUNCHING OF SBEU WEBSITE
SBEU will officially launch its interactive Website on 22 September 2001. The launching is in conjunction with our 35th Anniversary Dinner, and is another step in the progress of SBEU.
We hope the Website will be a useful service to members and workers by providing up to date information. It also allows members to have a direct access to SBEU HQ.
Among the many innovative features is the interactive "MEMBERS" area. This allows members access to their personal information, including Benevolent Fund and Insurance account.
Other useful and relevant information and news for members include:
" Collective Agreement
" SBEU Newsletters and Newsflash
" Union Circulars & announcements
" Union Activities
" Officials of SBEU
" Value Added Services
The Website is available from midnight 22nd September 2001.
The address is sbeu.org
ANDREW LO KIAN NYAN
General Secretary
22 Sept 2001
PRESS STATEMENT
STANDARD CHARTERED BANK to close Bandar Sri Aman & Sarikei Branches in Sarawak and to open new Branches in West Malaysia
SBEU STRONGLY URGES SCB AND BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA TO REVIEW THEIR DECISION
1. SCB is sacrificing the interest of loyal customers in small towns in Sarawak. This is not in line with the state government policy in setting up rural growth centres in the state. The bank's move will further accelerate the rural urban migration. We also note that there are other small branches in West Malaysia that the Bank could have closed, instead of those in Sarawak.
2. The branches that the bank intends to close are long-existing branches and are viable and profit generating. Branches in Sarawak are crucial deposits gathering branches.
3. Sarawak branches of the Bank account for 26.55 % of total liabilities but only 5.9% of the total assets. Balance per account in Sarawak for S/A, C/A, and credit cards are higher in Sarawak compared with Bank Wide, indicating lower cost of deposits. Total deposit per employee in BSA and Sarikei at RM7.5 Million and RM10.2 million respectively are much higher than the Malaysian average of less than RM5 million. The figures clearly show that the deposits gathered in Sarawak generate profits for the Bank in West Malaysia.
4. With the Financial Sector Master plan, there is no urgent need to sacrifice existing Branches to open up new branches, as Foreign Branches should be able to open new branches soon.
5. The bank is only interested in profits, not service to the community in which in it has made and repatriated, so much profits over last 77 years of operations in Sarawak. (RM210 million repatriated in 1999 alone and retain profits of over RM600 million as at 31 Dec 1999).
6. It is shocking that Bank Negara can allow such disregard for national and State policy and succumb to the whims and fancies of foreign Banks. What cannot be reconciled, is that it will put local banks at a disadvantage. The Financial Sector Master plan is designed to prepare local banks for competition when the sector opens up in 2005. What BNM is doing is to allow foreign Banks in the Country to have a head start.
ANDREW LO KIAN NYAN
General Secretary
22 Sept 2001