A Singaporean Sikh man named Parvitar Singh, took to Facebook to voice his displeasure when he was asked an extremely “insensitive question” when he was applying for a job. The question which was asked was “Sorry ah sir, I see your name ends with Singh. So you have the cloth thingy on your head ah? Is it removable or do you always wear it?” Mr Singh felt that such a comment was considered discriminating.
Here is his full post on the incident.
“Had applied to a certain organization for business needs which entails a certain level of face to face interaction.
Received a phone call this morning to be told that I fit the bill but was explicitly told this;
“Sorry ah sir, I see your name ends with Singh. So you have the cloth thingy on your head ah? Is it removable or do you always wear it?”
I replied: Yes, I am a Singh. It is called a turban and no it is not removable. Is there an issue?
Lady on the phone: The thing is I’m not sure if the organisers will be comfortable with it.
Me: You do know that the constitution allows me to work and live as a Singaporean whilst having my turban on right? Mind you, I was in the Airforce. A place not many can be in due to clearance issues.
Lady: Oh! You were in the Airforce?! A bit surprising!
Me: Thank you for your time. I will lodge an official report for the authorities to look into this matter.
Lady starts apologizing profusley and I simply cut the call.
Not the first time this has happened and it is a bit apalling that as a citizen of this country I am being told I can’t conduct myself with my turban on.
Will definitely be viewing my options and will escalate this matter to ensure no other individual becomes a victim of such discrimination.”