A research paper showing discriminatory practices against bumiputeras by non-bumiputera companies should be studied by the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF), Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said today.

NONE He said this in response to MEF executive director Shamsuddin Bardan's statement that Khairy's allegation of Malays being sidelined in the private sector as "unthoughtful".

"I think he (Shamsuddin, right ) should answer the academic paper that I quoted, with facts," Khairy said in a Twitter posting.

Shamsuddin had said that Khairy was basing his claim on "hypothetical studies" and should instead focus on empowering Malays with the necessary skill sets.

Khairy had cited the study , conducted by Dr Mohammed Abdul Hamid of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Dr Lee Hwok Aun of Universiti Malaya, in his speech at the recently-concluded Umno annual general assembly.

"According to the study, although they meet the grade in terms of merit and qualifications, bumiputeras do not get a fair deal.

"There are cases where they get a lower salary compared with other workers with similar abilities and qualifications," Khairy had said in his speech.