The working world is very surreal to the point where we are expected to put on a brave face despite facing rejection. It’s just the way it is. Some of the more common reasons upon being rejected may include
"We need someone with more experience", "We can't afford to meet your expected salary" or "We are looking for someone with a higher qualification".
But what would be the worst reasoning is to be disqualified due to a religious belief, or merely based on a person’s appearance. As bad as that may seem, it has happened. Fresh graduate, Ika (name has been changed due to sensitivity) recently went on a temporary job search and shared her unjustly experience.
"So today I went for temporary job hunting at KLCC since KPLI (Kursus Perguruan Lepasan Ijazah) won't be anytime soon.
Most of the stores gave me a shocking same answer. NIKE: "Kita mmg nak pakai orang, tapi xnak yang pakai tudung" Topshop : "Sorry, pakai tudung xboleh kerja sini" Esprit : "emmm.." *laughs with the co-workers* "we don't hire hijab people" Isetan :
"Selalunya kita tak ambil orang pakai tudung kerja dengan kita" and some other stores that gave the same answer. I've lived in the UK for 4 years, I've travelled places in the Europe and North Atlantic, but never have I felt disgraced by wearing a hijab.
And today in my own country i was disgraced for covering my hair. Merdeka? Really? This is clearly NOT an Islamic country. Even the UK is not like this. I am disappointed." Her post has garnered more than 6,000 shares since she posted it online on 2nd September 2013.
What sort of employment ruling do we have in Malaysia which discriminates one based on the fact an individual wears a headscarf? Is this even an actual employment ruling for stores in most departmental stores, or are the aforementioned shops merely being discriminative all on their own?
A hijab, or a tudung, as it is commonly called here, is worn by Muslim women as part of their daily ensemble in order to cover their aurat - as it is mandatory for them to do so within their religion.
Share with us your thoughts or opinions on this experience in which Ika has been through. Has there been anyone you personally know who has been subjected to the same level of discrimination as Ika?
What could the possible reasons be for these companies to practice such a discriminative act of not hiring Muslim women who wears a hijab?
Does the fact that they cover their hair make them less able to perform the job as well in comparison to those who don’t? Are they not humans, too? Don’t they deserve to be treated fairly and be given an opportunity before being rudely rejected solely based on their appearances?
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