NEP is discrimination in the worst form and should not be continued
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Deputy PM Najib yesterday said that it was discriminatory for the private sector to make it compulsory for local graduates to be proficient in Mandarin.

His “discriminatory” remarks evoked diverse responses.

One reader of a mainstream media said scores of other job advertisements ask for applicants based on specific ethnic group or gender. “Aren’t those bordering on discrimination as well,” he asked.

He concluded that there was nothing wrong with companies wanting to hire only people who are skilled - be it in languages or otherwise.

Another reader said many employers emphasise Mandarin proficiency because of commercial reasons. Many businesses nowadays require much interaction with associates from China or other countries which requires communication in Mandarin.

Chinese business and community leaders do not agreed with Najib. They pointed out that the Mandarin proficiency requirement is required solely because of commercial reasons.

“If our market is targeted at Bumiputera consumers, definitely it would make business sense to hire a person with proficiency in Bahasa,” a corporate leader said.

MTUC sec-gen Rajasekaran when asked by Sin Chew Daily, replied that the Mandarin requirement was not discriminatory. (more…)