Time for Malaysia to enact race relations law

 

From Chew Kok Liang

Malaysia has a complex racial and ethnic landscape with a diverse population.

While Malaysia has made progress in addressing issues related to race relations, there is still room for improvement.

A race relations law in Malaysia would help to prevent and combat discrimination based on race, ethnicity or religion.

It would provide legal protection for individuals and groups who face discrimination, and establish mechanisms for addressing complaints and enforcing penalties against those who engage in discriminatory practices.

The law can also require employers, educational institutions, and government agencies to promote diversity and inclusiveness in their hiring and admissions policies.

Most importantly, it can help ensure people of all races and ethnicities have equal access to education, employment, and other opportunities.

A race relations law in Malaysia could have several key provisions, including:

1. The definition of discrimination in all its forms, including direct and indirect discrimination, harassment, victimisation, and incitement to hatred or violence based on race, ethnicity, or religion.
2. Prohibition of discrimination in all areas of life, including employment, education, housing, and access to public services and facilities.
3. Positive action to promote equal opportunities and prevent discrimination, such as affirmative action programmes, training and awareness-raising, as well as support for underrepresented groups.
4. A framework for the resolution of disputes related to race or ethnicity, such as the establishment of a national commission or ombudsman, and clear and accessible complaints procedures for individuals and groups who have experienced discrimination, including provisions for mediation, investigation, and legal action.
5. Penalties and remedies against those who engage in discriminatory practices, hate speech, or incitement to racial or ethnic violence, including fines, imprisonment, and compensation for victims.
6. Awareness-raising and education on issues of race relations and discrimination, including promotion of tolerance and respect for diversity, as well as encouraging the promotion of multiculturalism and diversity in schools, workplaces, and other institutions.
7. Enforcement and monitoring of compliance, including the establishment of a dedicated agency or commission to oversee implementation and review of the law.
8. Encourage the media to report on issues related to race and ethnicity in a responsible and balanced manner.

A race relations law for Malaysia would be an important step towards promoting equality and combating discrimination.

It will be essential to promoting dialogue and understanding among different ethnic groups, and to work towards addressing the root causes of inequality and discrimination.

The law itself will not solve all the issues related to race and religion in the country. That would still require strong political will, public support, and effective implementation and monitoring to be successful.

However, if successful, it will help create a nation where all Malaysians can identify themselves as Malaysians first, rather than by their racial or ethnic backgrounds. - FMT

Chew Kok Liang is an FMT reader.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.