Daily Lessons from Life 15 July 2014 - Watchdog probes allegation of discrimination

"Watchdog probes allegation of discrimination - The Straits Times 15 July 2014

SINGAPORE - Part-timer Zafirah Edwards, who works at the Changi City Point Puma store, was seconded to the sport label's section in the Wisma Atria branch of Isetan for the day last Wednesday. But soon after arrival, she was allegedly told to leave because she had turned up wearing the Islamic headscarf.

After-notes: Isetan issued an apology to Miss Edwards for this action by the staff involved. It also emphasised that this is not inline with the long standing values of the Company and that the staff involved has been counselled and the Management will endeavour to ensure that such an issue will never happen again!"

It was a shock to learn of the piece of news initially. It is obviously not right. It is great to see the Management of Isetan has taken decisive steps to apologise to Miss Edwards and counselled the staff immediately!

Lessons for me are:

1. wearing of the Islamic headscarf has been accepted in Singapore for the longest time for private sector jobs. Every staff and especially HR staff MUST know this in Singapore regardless of if the HR folks are Singaporeans or not!;

2. even the Speaker of Parliament wears the Islamic headscarf though I believe some civil service jobs like the uniformed groups do not allowed the tudung as I understand it. Let is be clear that Singapore is impartial on the wearing of the tudung as one can still be recognisable with the face visible still without having to intrude or make special efforts to observe closer, unless the burqa. From a practical angle, burqa poses a security risk as no one can tell who is underneath it without the need to intrude somewhat like lifting the veil and what not!;

3. hopefully this incident will be put to rest as Isetan Management had taken decisively action on the wrong order being given to Miss Edwards. She hopefully has gracefully accept the Company's apology and moves on. In tiny Singapore, we must be vigilant and pro-active to weed out any discrimination against all mainstream and proper religions. This is how Singapore will behave against errant breakers of such a sacred principle. Errant breakers will be dealt with decisively and quickly.

Peace on earth and peace in Singapore, our beloved Little Red Dot!