Consumer advocate group Cassa proposes Race Relations Act

In light of the recent uproar involving a 'Muslim-only' laundrette in Johor, a Race Relations Act similar to existing laws in the UK could be debated in the upcoming Dewan Rakyat sitting in October.

Consumer Association of Subang and Shah Alam (Cassa) President Jacob George told Malaysiakini that he would work with the relevant authorities to see the Act through.

"Cassa wants to work towards a Race Relations Act that will provide a clear platform to address racial and ethnic confrontations. Hopefully, this will materialise in the next Parliament sitting.

"With the support and blessings of the federal government, we will go down to nationwide grassroots to bring together stakeholders, social and political operatives to work towards unity and our love for our nation, instead of our political, racial and religious differences.

"We want to ensure that all Malaysians enjoy the fundamental right to equality, both in written legislation and in society at large," he said when contacted.

Earlier this week a laundrette in Muar, Johor, reportedly put out a sign stating only Muslims could use its facilities. Politicians and royalty alike branded the move as narrow-minded, immature, and leading towards extremism.

The issue was resolved yesterday when Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar ordered the laundrette to stop its controversial policy, which the laundrette owner promptly agreed to.

Jacob hopes the act will address similar cases of "racial discrimination" and other "racially motivated crimes" in the country.

"The root cause of racial issues has not been addressed in the country yet. But after forty years of consumer advocacy, I want to see such a historical feat bear fruit," he explained.

"Cassa wants to put a stop to this nonsense where someone can use their religion to take a knock at another."

Jacob said that he would be working alongside stakeholders such as civic organisations, NGOs, judges, police, and local governments to address the issue and define what would constitute as racial discrimination and racially motivated crimes.

The consumer group also hopes to establish new advisory bodies on matters relevant to combating racism and intolerance.

When asked what he would accomplish with this, Jacob said the bodies would be tasked with monitoring hate speeches being made at schools, religious organisations and places of employment.

Among others, Cassa also wants to lobby for legislative measures that introduce maximum penalties for racially motivated crimes and establish human rights ombudspersons specifically for ethnic and racial confrontations.

However, Jacob is wary that the act may be shut down even before it is even brought up in Parliament.

"No doubt, all initiatives, and narratives undertaken will be in respect of the tenets of our Federal Constitution and social contract.

"We are not going to go into the ring and question the special rights of groups and consumers, nothing like that. But we will be looking at punishing those who are racial bigots, religious fanatics, and abuse their rights by making threats towards ethnic and religious groups," he explained.- Mkini