Would you accept a job that goes against your values?

company does not seek or accept business from alcohol, tobacco or gambling outfits. This has been the policy of zubedy (M) Sdn Bhd since it was set up in May, 1994.

We do so because I disagree with alcohol, tobacco and gambling. It does not fit into my core values. That does not mean that I do not have friends and family members who consume alcohol, smoke and gamble. In fact, some of my closest friends are drinkers and smokers.

My issue with alcohol, cigarettes and gaming is personal. It stems from home and how I grew up. Yet, in no way do I see a non-drinker to be a better human being than a drinker. When I was little, one of the best human beings I met was my late father’s good friend, Uncle Ali Rahman. He was likely an alcoholic, but I have not met many with such a kind heart, always helping and caring for the poor. He was loving, caring and respectful — even to a 6-year-old kid. I used to be confused when many labelled him as one who was hell-bound because of his drinking habits when those name-callers fell far short of his kindness.

When my organisation was recommended to a tobacco company, the head of human resources called me. When I refused to provide my service, the head asked if I was serious as it was a RM1 million contract. I thanked her for her confidence in my team and brand, but suggested other providers whom I considered serious and capable of delivering what they needed. I told her that I could not make her sales team and workforce more effective and efficient in making more people smoke and the possibility of promoting cancer. She respected my position and we became friends.

When my good friend and former boss joined a beer company as head of sales and marketing, he wanted me to help him set in place the sales team there. Obviously, I said no, although he tried to sell me the idea that beer companies never sell alcohol, they sell happiness. Making people happy, he said, fits well into my core values.

Initially, when I quit the dairy product manufacturing company I worked with, I wanted a stint as a copywriter. An advertising agency offered me a lucrative salary, but I would have to write for a tobacco brand. I decided to settle into another position and accepted a salary package less than half, and as such avoided dealing with tobacco. How could I write and attract, especially more of the young, to smoke and burn their lungs? Can I perform at my best when the very industry is at odds with my values? Will I give my employer less than a fair deal? Will my salary be haram? Can I excel in my job?

As such, I suggest to any cabin crew who feel uncomfortable with uniform policies, be they by local or international airlines, to consider another profession.

Although I see it wise for the airlines to put in place two sets of uniform — tudung and nontudung — to allow individuals the right to choose their dressing, the cabin crew must consider the other religious concerns like serving alcohol, sleeping with male counterparts in the same area during long flights, mingling with the opposite sex, etc. Will these go hand in hand with those wearing the tudung?

To the members of parliament who are fighting for the rights of Muslim women cabin crew to wear their religious attire, should they not have the right not to serve alcohol or do the other duties needed as per their job description too?

If you are serious about your values and see that all these are against your religious leaning, I suggest you choose another profession, even if the remuneration is less.