As we mark the 50th year of our independence, my wish is that the Barisan Nasional government will reflect its policy of racial integration in all government agencies and government-linked companies (GLCs).

I clearly remember that when we achieved our independence on Aug 31, 1957, the Alliance government then promised racial integration to reflect the Alliance cabinet at that time.

It is my sad observation today that when we look at government agencies and GLCs, racial integration is clearly missing. Ministers have given the lame excuse that people of certain racial groups do not want to work for the government because the pay is poor.

I will agree that the pay is poor but I do not agree that they do not want to work for the government. After all, many of them are unable to get jobs in the country.

The past is past and let us not harp on it. The BN government must resolve today that all government agencies and GLCs should reflect a policy of racial integration. This policy should clearly be aimed at having a work force that reflects the racial composition of the country at the macro and micro level.

Do not worry about fact that the private sector tends to employ people of a certain race only. They are like sheep when they see the government doing the same thing. They will blindly follow for they know that if they do not, they will not be able to expand and will slowly be driven out of business.