Appeals against firing of SMRT staff still pending
SCDF officers removing a body from the scene of the train accident at Pasir Ris MRT Station, March 22, 2016, which left two SMRT employees dead. TODAY file photo
The appeals against the dismissal of two SMRT staff — including former assistant engineer Lim Say Heng who was among those charged yesterday over a fatal train track accident in March — are still pending, said the National Transport Workers’ Union (NTWU), adding that it will support Lim.
In a statement, NTWU’s executive secretary Melvin Yong stressed that it was important to allow due process to take its course.
Lim and Mr Rahmat Mohd, the driver of the train that hit and killed SMRT trainees Muhammad Asyraf Ahmad Buhari, 24, and Nasrulhudin Najumudin, 26, were sacked in September.
Following their sacking, the union worked with the two workers to file appeals to SMRT and the Manpower Ministry.
The union also helped the two men to find jobs through the Employment and Employability Institute, Mr Yong told TODAY.
SMRT yesterday declined to comment on the appeals.
News of the two men’s dismissal had drawn flak online. Family members of the two dead trainees had also expressed sympathies for the sacked employees and reiterated the need for a full picture to emerge.
In his statement yesterday, Mr Yong said the NTWU will continue to support Lim — who was charged with causing death by a negligent act — and his family members to ensure that he is fairly represented.
Lim was the officer in charge of the work party, which included Asyraf and Nasrulhudin, that was accessing the train track when the accident occurred on March 22.
“While we cannot comment on any ongoing legal proceedings, the union maintains that it is important to allow due process to take its course and all facts to be revealed before drawing any conclusions,” said Mr Yong. KELLY NG
