Third-World attitudes in racist Hong Kong

I responded to an advert in the classified section of the South China Morning Post, for property in Richview Terrace.

When I called the estate agent to get more details I was told the agent would do her best to 'convince' the landlord. She then asked my nationality.

When I asked her what difference it made, I was told the landlord wanted a tenant with a 'good nationality' and profession. I asked what that meant, and was told she didn't want any Indians.

The agent laughed nervously, sensing my horror, and said that the landlord did not speak English. I told her that I am Indian and like most Indians in Hong Kong speak perfect Cantonese. When I questioned the legality of such a condition for a tenant she became hysterical with laughter. Needless to say negotiations ended at that point.

My family has been in Hong Kong for 45 years. We have owned homes here, run our own businesses, educated our children here, integrated in every way into this society, and these are the attitudes we face. It is a disgrace and makes me ashamed of the small-minded people of Hong Kong.

World-class city, Third-World attitudes.

RENU MALANI

Sheung Wan