Iron Lady vs Little Napoleon

In UK back in the 1970s, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was known as the Iron Lady and her famous quote was “You turn if you want, the Lady is not for turning”.

Few weeks ago, I accompanied my wife who was entrusted with escorting a lorry loaded with tin ore to Malaysian Smelting Corp Bhd in Butterworth.

At the entrance security guard-post, we were told that those wearing slippers (referring to my wife) cannot enter the godown area where the unloading was done. Anyway, we got away without hindrance. At the time, I got the impression it was because of safety reasons and it was confirmed by one of the staff at the godown.

This morning, I accompanied her again on a similar mission. Again we were told she could not enter, even though she came prepared with shoes! Upon further questioning, one of the guards referred us to their superior in an air-conditioned cubicle attached to the guard-post. I asked him under what rules my wife is disallowed in. He explained that women are not allowed in the godown. Surprised at the blatant sex discrimination and upon further prodding, he revealed that the management had set rules disallowing women because some came with their husbands on joy rides and their presence in the godown was a nuisance.

The irony of it all was that I was the one who should not be allowed because I went on a joy ride. I explained to him that my wife is one of the company’s directors, entrusted with ensuring safe transport of the tin ore to MSC; double-checking the number of bags being unloaded and confirming the actual tonnage. If she is not allowed into the godown, then who can? I told him straight that I was unhappy with the sex discrimination rule. Anyway, because she was eager to get the job done, she suggested that I wait in the car instead.

When my wife finally appeared after the deal, I was surprised she actually lodged a complaint to the manager who could only explained that the guards were being over-zealous. He was seen going to the guardhouse apparently to tell off the person in charge.

Hopefully, it was the security chief’s personal prejudice and not the company’s policy that was being covered up.

Honestly, I now worry for the next trip in case I am unable to accompany her. Never know what Little Napoleon can do... like puncturing car tyre and so forth.