Change your beliefs and you change everything

Malaysia is currently flocked with African community. Many come here to study; some come here to build a business, some as tourist and some probably looking for their piece of the pie.

They have certainly outnumbered the percentage of other foreigners to the country. Thus, Malaysia is always going to appeal to Africans due to the fact that Malaysia has an energy and life very much like Africa but of course there is plenty of high technology and money to be made here!

Besides, many stay on in Malaysia after a period of time or even after completing their studies. Some marry the local women and become part of the community whereby you will come across Africans running small time and big time businesses such as cafés and restaurants selling African food and delicacies … ooh and trust me their food is not that cheap at all but it definitely taste good! Some open little boutiques and even hair saloons. The big time ones are like those who are conferred with ‘Datukship’ and also run big businesses involving local iconic figures in the entertainment and educational fields. And there are also a number who discharge duties in the sports arena as trainers and coaches.

In spite of all these, yet there is still discrimination to this lamentable assemblage. There are many from the whole amalgamation that goes through this in their daily living here in Malaysia and I have come across and viewed it myself. People always view them in a different perspective. Africans are many a times misconstrued to be bad people such as thugs or problem makers. But in actual fact, not all of them are such and ¾ of them are not! The public and society at whole tend to get scared of them and this inadvertently shuns them off from all. This saddens me, truly!

I think many of those who come from good backgrounds and has good qualifications backed up with experience should be given the opportunity of job openings in Malaysia especially in areas related to customer service, public relations and administration jobs. You may never know what lies ahead with the skills they possess! They may be able to contribute something beyond. Take Singapore for instance, with the increased number of Filipinos everywhere, Singapore looks more like a mini Philippines! The primary factor that got them into Singapore was the fact that they spoke better English language compared to the other neighbouring countries and the secondary factor was due to cheap labour as Singaporeans would not do a certain kind of job as they are too demanding and picky. Nevertheless, there are some Filipinos who hold good jobs at banks, corporate firms and at educational institutions.

Personally, I feel the African community should not be deprived in any way. Upon completion of their studies, or even while studying, they should be given the possibility of a job opening. This is especially for those who come from average income families who sometimes need to send money back home for their families and little siblings as well as to sustain themselves here for their studies and daily living.

So people out there … the next time you happen to look for a potential job candidate; why not endeavour employing an African for a change and appreciate the changes they could bring in as Abdul Kalam quotes, “All of us do not have equal talent. But, all of us have an equal opportunity to develop our talents.” Signing off with peace!!!