Latest news with #NationalHarmonyAct
Free Malaysia Today
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Selangor speaker urges govt to expedite drafting of National Harmony Act
Selangor speaker Lau Weng San (fourth from left, top) said the government must harmonise the drafting of the National Harmony Act with the Federal Constitution. SUNGAI BULOH : The government should expedite drafting the National Harmony Act, following calls from the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) for a legislative framework to tackle hate speech and discrimination, says Selangor speaker Lau Weng San. 'I have been informed that the national unity ministry has begun the drafting process. 'I support Suhakam's calls for this act. We need to harmonise it with the current laws in the Federal Constitution. This is much needed to curb hate speech. 'We also need to table a bill to set up a national harmony commission that will have the legal power to enforce laws and punish those who threaten national harmony but without going against the right to freedom of speech,' he said. Lau said this at an event commemorating the 56th anniversary of the May 13 racial riots at a cemetery for the victims of the tragic event, here. On May 3, Suhakam called for the introduction of a National Harmony Act, aimed at fostering mutual respect, promoting inclusivity and protecting all communities from hate speech, incitement and discrimination. The commission said this following the publication of the Malaysia Racism Report 2024 by Pusat Komas, which reported a 'visible' increase in racial discrimination and xenophobia in Malaysia, with 73 such cases recorded last year. Tan Choong Cheng, chairman of The Friends of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Heritage Association (Pesawa), also urged the government to declassify official documents related to the riots. He suggested the government establish an official 'May 13 truth and reconciliation committee' to restore historical accuracy and encourage dialogues between archivists and the victims' families. AdChoices ADVERTISING Meanwhile, academic Tajuddin Rasdi suggested that May 13 be made a public holiday and a memorial site for the victims be built at the cemetery. He said official narratives of the tragedy should be objective to ensure the nation can learn from history and prevent the recurrence of such riots. 'We shouldn't blame each other for this tragedy like what (some of the) politicians are doing. It's better that we build a narrative that will hold every party accountable,' he said. On May 13, 1969, racial riots broke out in Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya and several other towns across Peninsular Malaysia following heated parades that took place after a general election. Official records say 143 Chinese, 25 Malays, 13 Indians and 15 others were killed in the riots, with over 400 injured. Unofficial accounts suggest a higher number of Chinese fatalities.
Borneo Post
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Suhakam calls for National Harmony Act to address racism, discrimination
According to Suhakam, the report serves as a timely reminder that, despite 68 years of independence, racism and racial discrimination remain deeply embedded in the country's institutions, public discourse and societal attitudes. – Malay Mail photo KUCHING (May 4): The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has urged the government to introduce a National Harmony Act to foster mutual respect, promote inclusivity and protect all communities from hate speech, incitement and discrimination. This call follows the publication of the Malaysia Racism Report 2024 by Pusat Komas, a Malaysian civil society organisation, in March this year. The report provides valuable insights into the ongoing challenges of racism and racial discrimination in the country. According to Suhakam, the report serves as a timely reminder that, despite 68 years of independence, racism and racial discrimination remain deeply embedded in the country's institutions, public discourse and societal attitudes. 'It is both important and urgent to address the growing concerns surrounding racial harmony and discrimination in Malaysia,' said the commission in a statement today. Suhakam said this call serves as both a salutary reminder and a call to action for all Malaysians to unite in addressing the persistent issues of racism and discrimination. This aligns with with its mandate to promote awareness and advocate for human rights. Malaysia, it noted, is a nation built on diversity, and its multicultural and multi-religious heritage is not a weakness but a strength – one that must be nurtured with understanding, mutual respect and a shared commitment to equality. Suhakam further pointed out that racial harmony is not merely a national aspiration but an essential foundation for national unity, sustainable development and happiness. The commission pledged to remain steadfast in its stance that racism – whether institutional, cultural or interpersonal – has no place in modern Malaysia. It cautioned that racial discrimination breeds inequality, resentment and division, undermining the dignity of individuals and communities while eroding the social fabric that binds the nation. Suhakam cited Article 8 of the Federal Constitution, which declares that all persons are equal before the law and entitled to equal protection of the law, regardless of race or religion. Additionally, Article 12 further reinforces the right to equality by affirming non-discrimination in any educational institution maintained by a public authority, thereby fostering an environment where every citizen has equal access to education. 'These constitutional guarantees are reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), to which Malaysia is committed, to the extent that its provisions are consistent with the Federal Constitution. 'Article 1 of the UDHR states that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights,' it said. Suhakam called for sustained commitment from all sectors of society – government, civil society, political leaders, media practitioners, educators and ordinary Malaysians. It emphasised that everyone has a role in rejecting hate speech and divisive rhetoric, upholding inclusive values and promoting policies that enhance equality and justice. As such, Suhakam urged all stakeholders to continue engaging in constructive dialogue, implementing educational and policy reforms and cultivating empathy and understanding across communities. 'By doing so, we can lay the groundwork for a more just, equitable and united Malaysia,' the commission added. discrimination lead National Harmony Act racism suhakam
