Steve LK Shim:

[1] The parties to this dispute are Utusan Melayu (M) Bhd (the company) and the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (the union). The dispute concerns the dismissal or the termination of the services of one Encik Yazid Othman bin Che Seman (the claimant), an employee of the company and a member of the union at all material times. In the statement of case dated 4 December 1990 it is contended that the claimant was dismissed by the company on 5 October 1987; that at the time of his dismissal, he was employed as a journalist in the company drawing a salary of $1,735 a month; that the dismissal was without any or any just cause or excuse, or alternatively, it was contrary to the principles of natural justice and or an unfair labour practice. The union prays for the reinstatement of the claimant to his former position in the company without loss of any benefits monetary or otherwise. The company has filed the statement in reply dated 19 June 1991 denying the allegations and claims in the statement of case, contending inter alia, that the company had no choice but to terminate the claimant's services because of his failure to provide a satisfactory explanation an