Consider Sikh ex-servicemen for security

I REFER to your report “Licences of errant security firms to be revoked” (The Star, May 16).

This warning to cancel the licences of security companies that have violated the conditions of their licence, such as having illegal workers, has been repeated time and again but over the years there is little sign of change on the ground.

Often there are such hiccups and then it’s business as usual.

The crux of the matter is that there are just not enough locals who want to make a career as a security guard due to the long hours of work and low wages (RM 800/RM1,000/ basic per month).

Even our ex-servicemen shun this kind of job. The Nepali ex-servicemen that we had looked forward to working here are now opting for greener pastures in countries like those in the Middle East, where the pay and perks are comparatively higher. The Nepalis that are here are mostly civilians and they too don’t come here in droves.

While we look once again at other countries for security guards I suggest we look in particular at Sikhs from India for our needs.

I know many Sikh military officers since my army days and they tell me that there are thousands of retired military personnel, between the ages of 45 and 55, fit, able and willing to serve as security guards.

An added advantage is that most speak reasonably good English. The Sikhs especially those from the army are generally tall and well built and have a reputation of being brave and fearless.

History will show that the Sikh soldiers under the British Raj fought and helped us win our wars in the then Malaya.

By the late eighteen century the Sikhs were already employed in the police forces of all Malay States and also British North Borneo and Sarawak.

Such was their reputation that till the late 60s when security services was in its infancy the local Sikh jaga (watchman) and his chapoi (stringed bed) were a common sight at banks and other business houses.

Given this backdrop I would strongly urge the Home Ministry’s Deputy Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed that when considering foreigners for work in our security services industry, to give the Sikhs from India an opportunity to prove themselves as the next better option.

I can assure him that he will not be disappointed.

LT COLONEL (R) MOHD IDRIS HASSAN

Kuala Lumpur