Khairy sees red over ‘non-bumi’ job ad
For someone who seems to have benefitted from an Oxford education, he ought to have no difficulty in distinguishing the meaning between a phrase that says “preferably non-bumiputera to apply” and that of “preferably non-bumiputera encouraged to apply”.
In my opinion, the two sentences do make a world of difference. The word “preferably” is preceded by the word “encourage(d)”, which may pinpoint the fact that the advertiser would want a good mix of applicants in the selection pool, not just one race or ethnicity.
Encouraging someone to apply need not mean he is preferred or even selected. It is still based on “the best man wins”.
The police force lately has been encouraging non-bumiputera to apply, does that mean discrimination, too?
Malaysia ABU: Malaysia should have an Anti-Discrimination Act to apply to all sectors – both private and government.
All projects, tenders, licences, applications, school and university intake, etc, should remove the criteria of race and religion from consideration. So, dear KJ, will you propose this to the cabinet, please?
Onyourtoes: KJ, you are right, it is wrong. But as a non-Malay and non-Muslim, what is right now sounds hollow in Malaysia.
That advertisement is wrong but Malaysia is wrong to the core. You and the government have lost the plot.
CQ Muar: Khairy, with the cabinet reshuffle around the corner, you appear desperate and ‘hard-up’ to boost your image, but please ensure you don’t just shoot your mouth with unsubstantiated and illogical accusation that can cause unrest.
The said advertisement has only one vacancy, therefore priority to the most suitable candidate is of paramount importance.
This had nothing to do with race or ‘discriminatory’ factor – in all probability, they took into account someone with a knowledge in Mandarin to facilitate their nature of business transaction. So, what’s the big deal, Khairy?
For that matter, you needed to take a hard look at the present state of affairs in the country involving the following government agencies without a single Chinese staff member (let alone the top post), namely, Pos Malaysia, local councils, government-linked companies (GLCs), the Immigration Department, the Road Transport Department (JPJ), Land Office, and the list goes on. What say you, Oxford scholar?
Anon1: I felt like throwing my laptop at the wall when I read this. How thick-skinned and shameless can you get? Listed companies have equity criteria to comply with and now you eye the private sector as well?
Anak Panjang: I support you, Khairy. You should move a motion for a bill against all discrimination as to language, race and religion.
Ratbatblue: Khairy, obviously an Oxford education has not broadened your vision. It’s still the same old BN rhetoric.
Did you mention the job description, apart from the racial exclusion? As many Malaysiakini commenters have mentioned, there could be very specific demands from the prospective employer. And you talk about discrimination.
In your capacity as minister, eliminate the ‘race’ box in all application forms for starters. Next, practice what you were taught at Oxford, the true sense of British fair play – treat every citizen of our country fairly in all respects.
On TV during the Thomas Cup finals you were doing fine but of course this was overseas. As soon as you were back in Tanah Melayu, the ‘superiority’ syndrome kicked in again and we are back to square one.
Some time ago, many ordinary Malaysians were of the opinion that you were different from your older stodgy cabinet colleagues, a breath of fresh air, and a voice of moderation. Alas, political survival/cabinet promotion and playing to the arena has taken its toll.
Ally Meme: KJ should find out the reason first before shooting his mouth off. He should find out the current racial composition of the company.
In many companies, they need to work 24/7 and have people to cover all the festival days – so it is important to have a good mix. If more than 50 percent of the workforce are already Malays, it make sense to get more non-Malays to join the company.
Fair Play: Frankly, If I were an employer, I would phrase my advertisement to include the following:
“All qualified Malaysians are encouraged to apply. Those who could speak fluent Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin or Chinese dialect or Tamil would have an added advantage.”
So Khairy, are you satisfied now?
Malaysia888: Most private companies are struggling to survive, they do not have the advantage of discriminatory practices like that of the civil service and GLCs (government-linked companies). They will hire the best candidate available irrespective of race.
Apa Ini?: Come now, Khairy, are you advocating a purely merit-based selection? Quite apart from disqualifiers like language requirements and non-halal situations, etc, chances are there’s a better qualified non-Malay applicant in most job requirements.
But yes, let us begin with erasing ‘race’ in all job ads and even race in all formal papers like identification cards. That’s a better Malaysia as far as real Malaysians are concerned.
Turvy: Oh Muruga, I’m going to break a coconut in the temple this evening as the bells ring the evening prayer.
At least one among them has seen the light. It is wrong to discriminate, it is wrong to discriminate. Amen, Amin, Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.
The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakinisubscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. Over the past one year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now.
