Nube pans CIMB's 'illogical' expat pick for top HR executive

Summary

• Nube slams CIMB’s appointment of Animesh Mukherjee as “illogical” and accuses him of displaying a “clear lack of cultural awareness and empathy.”

• Nube argues that a people-centric role requires a deep understanding of Malaysian values and socioeconomic context.

• It says that Mukherjee’s appointment runs contrary to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s previous statements, which reflected a commitment to cultivating local talent.

The National Union of Bank Employees (Nube) took CIMB Group to task today over its appointment of a foreign national to oversee the bank’s human resource operations.

In a statement today, the union slammed the appointment of Animesh Mukherjee as “illogical” and accused him of displaying a “clear lack of cultural awareness and empathy.”

CIMB is a government-linked company with Khazanah Nasional Berhad, Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund, as its major shareholder.

Khazanah is chaired by the Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and owned by the Minister of Finance (Incorporated).

“In this context, Nube finds it illogical and unjustifiable for CIMB to appoint a foreign expatriate as group chief people officer, a role central to shaping people strategy, workplace culture, and talent development functions that must be rooted in a deep understanding of local values and socio-economic realities.

“Mukherjee, an expatriate from India, has shown a clear lack of cultural awareness and empathy, contributing to industrial disharmony in what was once a harmonious workplace.

“Nearly 100 percent of CIMB’s workforce is Malaysian, yet the group chief people officer’s decisions reflect a detachment from their well-being and aspirations,” the statement read.

However, Nube did not expound on the accusations.

Disservice to national interest

The union went on to list several concerns regarding Mukherjee’s appointment, which it argued was a disservice to national interest.

“In three consecutive years of 2023, 2024 and 2025, Anwar’s statements reflected a commitment to cultivating local talent by reducing dependence on foreign expertise, to align with national interest and economic sustainability.

“Expatriates often operate on short-term contracts, raising doubts about their long-term loyalty or genuine investment in the future of Malaysian talent.

“It is unrealistic to expect a foreigner to champion local workforce development with the same drive and commitment as a qualified local leader,” Nube said.

It lamented that Mukherjee’s appointment also incurs unnecessary financial costs, including relocation, housing, and schooling, which could have been better allocated to upskilling local employees.

“In light of the above, Nube strongly urges the authorities and CIMB stakeholders to reconsider this appointment and ensure that future leadership reflects the identity, needs, and long-term aspirations of our nation,” Nube said.

Malaysiakini has contacted CIMB for a response and is awaiting their reply.

Nube accuses Maybank of firing harassment victim, ignoring racism

Regional group calls on PM to halt union-busting against Nube

MTUC backs Nube picket, slams vast wage gap between CEO and workers

Nube launches nationwide picket against banks over union-busting

Nube lodges more police reports against HR minister for 'abuse of power'

Nube accuses minister of 'sidelining' workers in festival aid talks