The Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA) has expressed regret over a property agent’s racist remark to a potential client and turning away the said customer due to her race.
MIEA president Tan Kian Aun told Malaysiakini that the association was disappointed in the agent - whom property firm Juwai IQI has since sacked - and said the latter should not profile the potential tenant based on her race.
Tan said the agent had acted unprofessionally and had explicitly gone against the established code of conduct governing the practices of real estate agents.
“Profiling of the tenant should be based on other criteria such as the business nature, ability to pay rent, usage of the property, her business background and as such.
“He (the agent) should have remained professional and focused on the things that matter and how we can best serve the public community with professionalism.
“The code of conduct is to ensure all members of MIEA can provide equal service and do not discriminate against any person for the reason of race, colour, age, the physical ability of their body, nationality, familial status or gender identity,” he said in a response to Malaysiakini last night.
Tan’s comments came after an X user @kalvinderks_ claimed that the agent in question discriminated against Indians and Punjabis.
Kalvin said the agent’s response to her enquiry was initially fine, but he was rude after obtaining her name and race.
She also shared a screenshot of the WhatsApp conversation on X, where she told the agent off for being rude and arrogant after she said she wanted to move in this coming March.
In the same screenshot, the agent replied, “And from (the) beginning, I also don’t want to do Indian or Punjabi business”, and proceeded to block Kalvin.
Unacceptable behaviour
Juwai IQI has since terminated the agent’s employment, saying the latter will no longer represent and serve the company.
The real estate firm also apologised to Kalvin via X for the agent’s unacceptable behaviour.
“IQI is an international company with a management team from diverse backgrounds, races and religions.
“Our staff and agents come from all walks of life and backgrounds, we do not condone nor tolerate any form of discrimination.
“We have zero tolerance towards discrimination and racism and will act most strongly against it,” the firm said.
The now-sacked agent also took to X to issue a public apology for insulting Kalvin and other Malaysian Indians and Punjabis.
“What I did was totally wrong. I realised my attitude and behaviour were totally wrong. Again, I want to say sorry to everyone who felt uncomfortable.
“I think my behaviour was rude and disrespectful to everyone. I will stop my job now until I learn to be a human (better person),” he said in the clip posted on X.
Meanwhile, Tan reminded his fellow property agents to treat every potential client fairly and give them equal opportunity.
“We shall all have mutual respect and understanding among us to understand everyone so that we can conduct our business peacefully and harmoniously that benefits all quarters regardless of race or being discriminative,” he added.
Malaysiakini has reached out to Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming for comment. - Mkini
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