"I was happy to hear about welcoming talents, upholding the multicultural society and meritocracy, irrespective of race. ...When I asked my agent, he told me most Chinese landlords prefer tenants in this order: Ang mohs, Chinese. Malays, Indians. I was dumbfounded."
I was browsing the web and came across your website. I was intrigued to read the letter by Josephine Bersee, from the Netherlands, in regards to racism in Singapore in the sphere of employment (dated 11 August, 2003). This was particularly interesting in light of a letter in the 'Forum' section in The Straits Time on August 23, 2006. This letter, titled "Race counts against new citizen when renting house" by Mr. Rikesh P. Kisnah, highlighted his first-hand experiences of racism when looking for a place to stay. I hope you will take a moment to read that letter.
My point is, whether in the sphere of employment or in the sphere of the renting of houses or apartments, I am deeply dismayed that there is no LAW that makes racial discrimination illegal. I strongly feel that this is necessary, otherwise Singapore cannot call itself a truly multicultural society that is all-inclusive regardless of the colour of a person's skin.
I have lived in Singapore in the past, but now reside overseas. I am not a Singaporean. But I still have a lot of fond memories of my childhood in the country. I still think that all the countries in the world, Singapore still does have a harmonious multi-racial society. But there does seem to be some areas where racism still exists, and it has to end. Employment is one of them, the renting of accomodation another. I am sure there are other areas as well which I have not mentioned here.
Overall, I would like to strongly reiterate my main point. There needs to be a LAW of some sort that PROHIBITS employment along racial lines or having the right to choose which race you would like to lease out your apartment to. I am shocked by the requirements put in some of the job ads on the website Josephine mentioned, www.businessedge.com.sg. This cannot be allowed to continue in a supposedly forward-thinking country like Singapore which purports to be one of the premier "Global Cities" in the world.
Only if a strict law, or laws, are in place, then this kind of discrimination can cease to exist, because legal action can then be taken against individuals or companies who violate such laws. I really wish the PAP would take this issue seriously and implement it. Singapore is a wonderful country, but it is NOT perfect. Why does the PAP not fix the imperfections, starting with this completely racist criteria set by certain employers or certain landlords. Please, make Singapore a truly outstanding multicultural society, one that all other multicultural societies worldwide will seek to emulate.
Sincerely
AB
Straits Times Forum
23 August 2006
Race counts against new citizen when renting house
WHEN I listened to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's speech, I was happy to hear about welcoming talents, upholding the multicultural society and meritocracy, irrespective of race. Those policies that Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and, now, PM Lee have taken to heart are one of the factors that helped Singapore beat all the odds and become a successful, vibrant economy.
I was myself a beneficiary of those policies. I came here in 1997 under the Foreign Talent Programme to study at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU). I was offered financial help throughout my three years in NTU and once I graduated I was offered permanent residence.
After the Sept 11 incident, the economy was at its bottom. Once again, I was helped by the Government, which helped me find a job via the Economic Development Board's Training Attachment Programme.
I am very thankful to the Government for having given me so many opportunities and, two years ago, I took up citizenship, despite being alone here. This was a really difficult decision but I believed this is a place where I could have a family and also because of my strong belief that the Government will always take the right decisions for the economy.
A few months back I got married. My wife is French. When I decided to rent an apartment, I engaged the services of a couple of agents while I myself tried my hand at finding an apartment through online portals. It was during that search that I realised that my skin colour and race did matter to the majority of Singaporeans. When I called people who had houses for rent, the dialogue was always similar.
Me: 'Hi, my name is Rikesh and I am interested in renting your house for $X.'
Landlord: 'What is your race? We don't rent to Indians.'
One of my agents advised me to try renting a house using my wife's name. Surprisingly, all the landlords replied: 'Ang mohs, can. No problem, lah'.
This was unbelievable. I am a Singaporean - of Mauritian origin - Indian race, with a good job, and still I was looked down upon when I tried to rent a property.
When I asked my agent, he told me most Chinese landlords prefer tenants in this order: Ang mohs, Chinese. Malays, Indians. I was dumbfounded.
This experience made me wonder: Has the Government done enough to educate the people on the real meaning of multiculturalism? Should there not be a law to stop such discrimination?
Rikesh P. Kisnah
Think Centre agrees that racial discrimination is normal in Singapore. Read S'pore:Where racism is normal The above article explains the situation in singapore. While ads with racial bias is NOT encouraged but in practice many Chinese owned firms still prefer chinese-speaking employees. One may complaint to the MOM - Ministry of Manpower. But there is no law against racial discrimination, as far as I am aware, with references to employment. There is no eqaul opportunity commission, no ombudsman, and no human rights commission where one could log their complaints. Think Centre hopes someday such a Equal Opportunituy commision, like in Hong Kong, will be set-up in Singapore. Sinapan Samydorai |
Sources and Relevant Links:
Think Centre - Letter Josephine Bersee: Racism in Singapore 11 August 2003
Today online S'pore: Where racism is normal 02 August 2003
