Govt's mixed messaging not improving racial, religious ties - report
Rights group Pusat Komas linked the government's inconsistent actions to the ongoing racial and religious tensions in the country.
The group stated that the government's approach has been mixed and fragmented, lacking clear and consistent solutions to address these issues effectively.
In its Malaysia Racism Report 2023, Pusat Komas conducted an extensive review of the Madani government's efforts...
Rights group Pusat Komas linked the government's inconsistent actions to the ongoing racial and religious tensions in the country.
The group stated that the government's approach has been mixed and fragmented, lacking clear and consistent solutions to address these issues effectively.
In its Malaysia Racism Report 2023, Pusat Komas conducted an extensive review of the Madani government's efforts over the past year, with a particular focus on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the National Unity Ministry.
The report highlighted a contradiction in Anwar's approach.
“Despite Anwar’s consistent calls for inclusivity and assurances that there will be no tolerance on those inciting racial and religious sentiments in the country, he was quick to defend the need to retain quota system for bumiputera students,” the report read.
In July this year, Anwar announced that the government would remove barriers for top-scoring non-Malay students to join the government-funded matriculation programme.
However, he emphasised that this decision would not compromise bumiputera privileges as enshrined in Article 153 of the Federal Constitution.
Additionally, the report also noted an incident from December last year, where Anwar used a derogatory term, upsetting the Indian Malaysian community.
Although Anwar had apologised, explaining that the term was a citation from the book “Hikayat Hang Tuah” with no intent to offend, the report underscored the delicate nature of race and religious issues in Malaysia which requires the prime minister to navigate these issues with extreme care.
3R and outdated laws
The group also criticised the government's handling of the 3R (royal, race, religion) issues, particularly on its reliance on outdated laws such as the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, Section 505 of the Penal Code and Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948.
“Even though the Madani government was committed to tackling the 3R issue, the use of archaic laws to combat them was highly questionable, given that individuals in the government had strongly opposed these laws in the past for stifling freedom of expression," the report stated.
Additionally, the report commended the efforts of the National Unity Ministry but claimed that the inherent issues of racism and discrimination remain unaddressed.
“While most of these programmes demonstrate ‘moments of unity’ where people from different groups come together - the inherent issues of racism and discrimination are not addressed.
"These issues are the biggest contributors to animosity among fellow Malaysians, as not everyone is treated equally or enjoys the same privileges," the report stated.
The report also applauded National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang for his swift action in denouncing former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad's statement in January calling for the closure of vernacular schools to reduce racial divides.
Set up harmony commission
Meanwhile, Pusat Komas recommended the establishment of a National Harmony Reconciliation Commission, calling it essential for advancing awareness, educating the public and advising the government on national unity.
This commission, it said, would investigate issues of discrimination and create effective mechanisms to address racism and discrimination.
“It is time for the Madani government to demonstrate its unequivocal commitment by making significant improvements and advancements to its human rights track record especially in the area of racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia,” it concluded.
