Ang pow or hongbao is a monetary gift in a red envelope,
customarily given during Chinese New Year or other special
occasions. It is a custom in most countries with a sizeable Chinese
population.
Agnes Ann was a secretary at one of the top advertising agencies
in Kuala Lumpur. One day in late February, she walked out of her
job.
The grounds for Agnes' grievance with her company was that
she did not receive any increment, bonus or "ang pow" for
two years. ("Ang Pow", or "hongbao" is a
monetary gift in a red envelope, customarily given during Chinese
New Year or other special occasions).
Agnes later sued her company for constructive dismissal,
claiming that the non-payment of her increment, bonus and ang pow
amounted to a fundamental breach of her contract of employment. In
her claim, Agnes alleged that she was being discriminated against
since other employees received increment, bonus and ang pow.
