The BWI mourns the sudden demise of Mohd Khalid bin Atan, President of Timber Employees Union Peninsular Malaysia (TEUPM) as well as President of Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC).
According to his family he fell accidentally while in his bathroom at home and passed out; an ambulance brought him to the hospital but he was pronounced dead on arrival. Khalid passed away this morning, at 62 years old. His funeral will take place this afternoon.
Khalid, as he is fondly called, was one of the most active, dynamic and loyal affiliates and leaders of the IFBWW and BWI. He had served as BWI’s Regional Vice President from 2006-2008 and also served as Titular Member of the Asia Pacific Committee until his death. He was instrumental in the formation of Sabah Timber Industry Employees Union (STIEU) and Timber Employees Industry Employees Sarawak (TIEUS), and as Chairperson played a key role in steering the joint activities of the all-BWI Malaysian Liaison Council (MLC).
Khalid championed the fight for migrant workers’ rights, pioneering migrant worker organising in Malaysia and recruiting them into the TEUPM, as well as representing their cases before the courts.
Before his death, Khalid was rallying the BWI MLC and MTUC to campaign against the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement.
Bro. Mohd. Khalid was a true friend of many Asian trade union leaders, especially from the BWI affiliates in the region. He will always be remembered by his colleagues far and wide for his extensive contributions to the trade union movement. His demise is a great loss to BWI and many other fraternal organisations, and we would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to his family members, to remain strong in this hour of sorrow and grief.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.