In the West, when countries publish their unemployment figures, they don't break it down to qualification levels. Everyone is treated equal with whatever skill or qualification he/she possesses.

So I was rather perplexed when reading the Malaysia media on the country's 60,000-odd unemployed graduates and the steps being taken to upgrade their communication skills to get jobs. Wouldn't other unemployed Malaysians deserve some help as well to get jobs?

Western countries churn out millions of tertiary-level graduates every year, and they compete for jobs just like everyone else. It's not uncommon if the waiter at a Western restaurant holds a degree and gets just the average wage.

Western governments normally give out funding to education providers to set up and provide courses in basic skills such as communications, computing, job interview techniques and even forklift driving.

These courses are open to all, whether you're a graduate or not. Giving extra help to graduates while leaving the non-graduates on their own smacks of discrimination. Not only have they tied up the country's resources in educating them at universities, but now they demand to be given cushy jobs as well. Sound like 'cradle to grave' preferential treatment to me.

Employers look for people who have the tenacity to work hard, are good team workers while being creative. They also look for people who are prepared to roll up their sleeves and volunteer to do the dirty jobs.

When looking at a number of candidates, those who are working in menial jobs to get money for their upkeep instead of sponging off their parents will be their first priority. So you graduates who are still unemployed, get out there and take whatever jobs is available be it as a waiter, cleaner or general help. It will look good on your CV.