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I refer to the letter Fresh graduates bogged down by self-pity .

Many a time inherent, intrinsic reality is lost upon us because we view issues from an ingrained nature and nurture which often proves damaging when prejudices and stereotyping are thrown in. Years of prejudice are shackles that are never easy to shake off.

My company recently went on a recruitment drive for five technical positions; all in either mechanical or electronics/electrical disciplines.

We had over 100 applicants and of the shortlisted 10, nine were Malays and one Indian Malaysian. Admittedly their standard of English could have been better but these shortlisted ones demonstrated the basic drive, confidence and initiative that we look for in our employees.

The interview process was in three stages, the last where we asked them to provide research on the industry using the Internet followed by a presentation to the company's senior management team. Three of the candidates were outstanding in all aspects including command of the English language.

Of the five candidates that were finally offered positions in the company, one was a foreign graduate while the rest were from UiTM and UTM.

Many local corporations like YTL, Maxis, Berjaya, Tanjong and Genting have received and are beneficiaries of countless government incentives and handouts like prime locations, licences, permits, access to funding, etc, but when it comes to recruitment many of them invariably use the so-called 'command of English' as the reason for bias against local graduates.

As I have said, no doubt there's some truth in this but a company does not recruit solely based on the gift of the gab; they are not all joining radio stations.

The politicians in their zest to abdicate from their own responsibilities for the state of our graduates today cite 'choosiness' and 'command of English' and thus provide many corporations the 'straws' that they need to grasp at to remain predominantly of one particular ethnic group.

I suggest our politicians think very carefully every time they want to open their mouths. Look at Petronas or TM. One will see many very senior non-Malays even to the levels of senior general managers and vice-presidents. Can we truly say the same for Malays at YTL, Berjaya, Tanjong or at the (non-gaming businesses of) Genting?

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