Speaking to reporters after launching the DAP 60th Anniversary Celebration Committee, Sim said his record in government reflected a consistent pro-worker approach.

“My stand is very clear. From my time in the ministry, my position has been clear and proven through what I have done, whether in terms of policy, programmes, or legislation – we stand with workers. That is very clear,” he said.

He added that his stance had drawn criticism from some employers.

“There are even employers who have complained, saying I am too aligned with workers,” said Sim, who served as human resources minister from 2023 to 2025.

Now the entrepreneur and cooperatives development minister, Sim said that the ongoing legal proceedings related to the dispute should be left to the courts.

“This case is already in court, so I think we should let the court decide. But my position is clear: to safeguard the interests of the people, especially the majority, especially workers,” he said.

“The court case is still ongoing. We will let the court make the next decision,” he said.

Yesterday, it was reported that the High Court had ruled that Sim, as the human resources minister, failed to remain neutral when intervening in a trade dispute between commercial banks and a workers’ union over Hari Raya festive aid payments.

Justice Aliza Sulaiman found that Sim appeared to support the Malayan Commercial Banks’ Association’s proposal on ex gratia payments for 2024, thereby compromising the ministry’s role as an impartial arbiter.

The court allowed a judicial review application filed by the National Union of Bank Employees, which challenged the minister’s conduct under the Industrial Relations Act 1967.

The dispute stemmed from disagreements over festive aid payments after conciliation efforts failed in early 2024. The union sought a one-month payment, consistent with previous years, while the association proposed a lower amount.