PS

Press Statement No. 7-2022_SUHAKAM Calls on the Government to Provide Solution to the Plight of Malaysian Mothers and Their Children to remain as One Family

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PRESS STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR (7 AUGUST  2022) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) noted the Court of Appeal’s decision on 5 August 2022 in the case of Government of Malaysia vs Suriani Kempe & Ors, which overturned the Kuala Lumpur High Court decision of 9 September 2021 which allowed Malaysian mothers with a non-Malaysian spouse to confer citizenship to their foreign-born children through operation of law.

SUHAKAM wishes to express its disappointment on the recent Court of Appeal’s decision which will negatively impact, not only upon Malaysian mothers but also affecting their children, particularly in meeting their basic needs including access to medical services, education, citizenship and other rights guaranteed to all Malaysian citizens under Malaysian law.

SUHAKAM recalls the Government’s commitment under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and its commitment to ensure that domestic legislations should affirm the principles of equality between men and women without any discrimination and to protect and fulfil children’s basic rights.

As a country that has ratified both instruments, Malaysia should implement the principle of bona fide to ensure the principles of the instruments are implemented and applied in Malaysian laws with sincerity in both intention and action, instead of ratifying without any intention to see it through.

The Council of Rulers had, on 23 November 2021, approved the recommendation to establish a Committee to work on the amendment of Article 14(1)(b) of the Federal Constitution (Committee) and noted that the Committee was expected to present the outcome of its consultations and research within six months. However, the six months have since passed, and no such presentation has been made to date. SUHAKAM stresses the importance for the amendment to Article 14(1)(b) of the Federal Constitution, and any delays in doing so is a deliberate negligence of meeting the rights of women and children in Malaysia.

Many children are separated from their families and even suffer mental health issues due to the uncertainties relating to the status of their citizenship; which is not in line with the intent and spirit of the “Keluarga Malaysia” concept. Malaysian women are also forced to migrate to foreign countries because their children are not accepted in Malaysia.

SUHAKAM urges the Government to expedite its earlier proposal to amend Part II of the Second Schedule of the Federal Constitution towards the realisation of Malaysia’s commitment, in line with Malaysia’s current membership on the UN Human Rights Council and its responsibility to achieve gender equality and fulfil the rights of children.

SUHAKAM supports the obiter dictum of His Lordship Datuk Nantha Balan a/l E.S Moorthy that status quo should be maintained for the overseas-born children of the six Malaysian mothers who had earlier obtained their Malaysian citizenship papers, until such time the Federal Court decides on their appeal. The applications of other Malaysian mothers who had applied citizenship for their overseas-born children but were not party to the earlier lawsuit, should be put on hold and not be rejected.

SUHAKAM calls on the Government to provide a permanent solution to the plight of these Malaysian mothers and their children, to remain as one family.

-END-

Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

7 August 2022

Media queries: Contact Mrs. Norashikin Hamzah at 03-2612 5687 / 019-621 5336 or shikin@suhakam.org.my

KENYATAAN MEDIA

KUALA LUMPUR (7 OGOS 2022)  –  SUHAKAM mengambil maklum keputusan Mahkamah Rayuan pada 5 Ogos 2022 dalam kes Kerajaan Malaysia vs Suriani Kempe & 6 Yang Lain yang telah mengakas keputusan Mahkamah Tinggi Kuala Lumpur pada 9 September 2021 lalu yang membenarkan seorang ibu warganegara Malaysia yang berkahwin dengan lelaki bukan warganegara Malaysia untuk memberikan kewarganegaraan melalui operasi undang-undang kepada anak-anak mereka yang lahir di luar negara.

SUHAKAM menzahirkan rasa kecewa kerana keputusan Mahkamah Rayuan ini akan memberikan kesan negatif bukan sahaja kepada ibu warganegara Malaysia tetapi juga kepada anak-anak mereka khususnya dalam mendapat akses kepada hak-hak asas seperti akses kepada kemudahan perubatan, pendidikan, kewarganegaraan dan lain-lain yang dijamin oleh undang-undang Malaysia kepada setiap warganegara.

SUHAKAM mengimbau komitmen Malaysia terhadap Konvensyen Hak Kanak-Kanak (CRC) dan Konvensyen Penghapusan Segala Bentuk Diskriminasi Terhadap Wanita (CEDAW) untuk memastikan perundangan tempatan memberikan hak yang saksama antara lelaki dan perempuan tanpa sebarang diskriminasi dan melindungi anak-anak serta memastikan pemenuhan terhadap hak asasi mereka.

Selaku negara yang telah meratifikasikan kedua-dua instrumen, Malaysia sewajarnya melaksanakan prinsip bona fide iaitu suci hati, niat dan tindakan untuk memartabatkan prinsip-prinsip di dalam instrumen dengan memastikan ia dilaksanakan dan diterapkan dalam perundangan Malaysia, dan bukan sekadar meratifikasi tanpa niat untuk menjayakannya.

Pada 23 November 2021, Majlis Raja-Raja telah memperkenan cadangan penubuhan Jawatankuasa Cadangan Pindaan perenggan (b) Fasal (1) Perkara 14 Perlembagaan Persekutuan (Jawatankuasa) dan mengambil maklum bahawa Jawatankuasa dijangka akan membentangkan hasil konsultasi dan kajian dalam tempoh enam (6) bulan. Walau bagaimanapun, tempoh enam (6) bulan tersebut telah berlalu dan tiada sebarang pembentangan berhubung yang sama dibuat. SUHAKAM menegaskan bahawa pindaan perenggan (b) Fasal (1) Perkara 14 Perlembagaan Persekutuan tersebut amat mustahak untuk dilaksanakan dengan segera di Parlimen, dan kelewatan dalam melaksanakannya adalah satu pengabaian terancang terhadap hak wanita dan kanak-kanak di Malaysia.

Ketidakpastian status kewarganegaraan ini mengakibatkan ramai kanak-kanak terpaksa berpisah dari keluarga mereka dan mengakibatkan mereka mengalami tekanan mental. Ini tidak mencapai hasrat di sebalik semangat Keluarga Malaysia. Wanita warganegara Malaysia juga terpaksa berhijrah ke negara asing kerana anak-anak mereka tidak diterima di Malaysia.

SUHAKAM juga menggesa agar pindaan terhadap Bahagian II Jadual Kedua Perlembagaan Persekutuan sebagaimana yang dicadangkan oleh Kerajaan Malaysia disegerakan bagi merealisasikan komitmen Malaysia yang kini merupakan negara anggota Majlis Hak Asasi Manusia Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu terhadap kesaksamaan gender serta pemenuhan hak terhadap kanak-kanak.

SUHAKAM menyokong obiter dictum YA Datuk Nantha Balan a/l E.S Moorthy untuk mengekalkan status quo permohonan enam (6) orang kanak-kanak yang dilahirkan di luar negara daripada ibu warganegara Malaysia sehingga rayuan ini dimuktamadkan oleh Mahkamah Persekutuan. Manakala, bagi ibu warganegara Malaysia yang memohon kerakyatan anak-anak mereka berdasarkan keputusan Mahkamah Tinggi Kuala Lumpur sebelum ini tetapi bukanlah pihak-pihak di dalam guaman di atas, permohonan mereka perlulah dibekukan sementara dan bukan ditolak.

SUHAKAM menyeru Kerajaan untuk menyediakan penyelesaian kepada kepayahan ibu warganegara Malaysia dan anak-anak mereka untuk kekal sebagai satu keluarga.

-TAMAT-

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

7 Ogos 2022

Pertanyaan Media: Sila hubungi Pn. Norashikin Hamzah melalui 03-2612 5687 / 019-621 5336 atau shikin@suhakam.org.my

Press-Statement-No.-7-2022_SUHAKAM-Calls-on-the-Government-to-Provide-Solution-to-the-Plight-of-Malaysian-Mothers-and-Their-Children-to-Remain-as-One-FamilyDownload
Kenyataan-Media-No.-7-2022_SUHAKAM-Menyeru-Kerajaan-Selesaikan-Kepayahan-Ibu-Warganegara-Malaysia-dan-Anak-Mereka-untuk-Kekal-Sebagai-Satu-KeluargaDownload
PS

Press Statement No. 6-2022_SUHAKAM has Initiated an Investigation and Obtained Information Regarding to the Death of Kim Shih Keat

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PRESS STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR (4 AUGUST  2022) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) had received a complaint, in relation to the death of 36 year old Kim Shih Keat in Kluang Prison, Johor, on 28 June 2022.

In line with its power as defined under the Human Rights Commission Act 1999 [Act 597], SUHAKAM has initiated an investigation and, thus far, obtained detailed information from the family of the deceased, as well as recorded statements from prison officers and the prisoner’s cellmates at the Kluang Prison on 2 August 2022.

SUHAKAM takes a serious view of death in custody (DIC) cases and continues to engage with the relevant stakeholders to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and, to enact or review of relevant laws in addressing this issue. SUHAKAM is of the view that all DIC cases should be investigated through an inquest process which is transparent and comprehensive in manner. SUHAKAM wishes to reiterate the importance of Custodial Health Unit (CHU) in Police Detention Centres which aims to monitor and manage the health of those detained, to minimise the risk of DICs. This initiative was initiated by SUHAKAM in collaboration with the Royal Police Malaysia (PDRM) and Ministry of Health (MOH).

SUHAKAM had published the report on “Deaths in Police Custody: a Thematic Study on Lock-Up Conditions and Factors Contributing to Death” in 2016, and “The Right to Health in Prison in Malaysia” in 2017. Both reports highlighted the importance of on-going monitoring and management of detainees’ health while they are in detention.

The right to life is guaranteed in Article 5(1) of the Federal Constitution, Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). DIC remains, as it always has been, a major focus and SUHAKAM stands ready to work with the authorities to identify ways and means to reduce the risk of DICs.

-END-

Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

4 August 2022

Media queries: Contact Mrs. Norashikin Hamzah at 03-2612 5687 / 019-621 5336 or shikin@suhakam.org.my

KENYATAAN MEDIA

KUALA LUMPUR (4 OGOS 2022)  –  Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM) telah menerima aduan berkenaan kes kematian Kim Shih Keat, 36 tahun, yang ditemui mati di Penjara Kluang, Johor pada 28 Jun 2022.

Selaras dengan bidang  kuasanya, SUHAKAM telah bertindak di bawah Akta Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia 1999 [Akta 597] menjalankan siasatan dan telah merekodkan maklumat terperinci daripada keluarga mendiang serta membuat lawatan ke Penjara Kluang pada 2 Ogos 2022 untuk mendapatkan keterangan lanjut serta merekodkan keterangan anggota penjara dan juga rakan sel yang berkenaan.

SUHAKAM memandang serius isu kematian dalam tahanan dan sering mengadakan perbincangan dengan kesemua pihak berkepentingan untuk merangka prosedur operasi standard (SOP) dan juga penggubalan atau pindaan undang-undang yang perlu untuk mengatasi isu ini. SUHAKAM berpendirian bahawa kesemua kematian dalam tahanan seharusnya disiasat secara terbuka dan menyeluruh melalui prosiding inkues. SUHAKAM ingin menekankan akan kepentingan penubuhan Unit Kesihatan Dalam Tahanan Polis yang berperanan untuk memantau dan menguruskan perkhidmatan kesihatan di pusat tahanan polis bagi mengurangkan risiko kejadian  kematian dalam tahanan. Inisiatif ini dimulakan oleh SUHAKAM dengan kerjasama Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) dan juga Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM).

Pada 2016, SUHAKAM telah menerbitkan laporan bertajuk “Kematian Dalam Tahanan Polis: Satu Kaji Selidik Mengenai Keadaan Lokap dan Faktor-faktor Penyumbang kepada Kematian” dan pada 2017 SUHAKAM juga telah menerbitkan laporan bertajuk “Hak Kepada Kesihatan di dalam Penjara: Laporan dan Hasil Kaji Selidik di Malaysia” yang mana kedua-dua laporan ini menekankan akan kepentingan untuk memantau serta menguruskan kesihatan tahanan semasa mereka berada dalam tahanan.

Hak kepada nyawa adalah dijamin di bawah Perkara 5 (1) Perlembagaan Persekutuan, Perkara 3 Perisytiharan Hak Asasi Manusia Sejagat (UDHR) dan Perkara 6 Kovenan Antarabangsa mengenai Hak Sivil dan Politik (ICCPR). Isu kematian dalam tahanan akan kekal menjadi fokus utama dan SUHAKAM sentiasa bersedia   bekerjasama dengan pihak berkuasa mencari jalan dan cara untuk mengurangkan risiko kematian dalam tahanan.

-TAMAT-

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

4 Ogos 2022

Pertanyaan Media: Sila hubungi Pn. Norashikin Hamzah melalui 03-2612 5687 / 019-621 5336 atau shikin@suhakam.org.my

Kenyataan-Media-No.-6-2022_SUHAKAM-Telah-Menjalankan-Siasatan-dan-Merekodkan-Maklumat-Berkenaan-Kes-Kematian-Kim-Shih-KeatDownload
Press-Statement-No.-6-2022_SUHAKAM-has-Initiated-an-Investigation-and-Obtained-Information-Regarding-to-the-Death-of-Kim-Shih-KeatDownload
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PEMANSUHAN HUKUMAN MATI MANDATORI DI MALAYSIA

by In the news

Putrajaya, 10 Jun 2022 – Kerajaan telah bersetuju untuk memansuhkan hukuman mati mandatori di negara ini dengan hukuman gantian tertakluk budi bicara Mahkamah.

Keputusan ini dicapai susulan pembentangan Laporan Kajian Hukuman Gantian Terhadap Hukuman Mati Mandatori oleh Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri (Parlimen dan Undang-Undang), YB Dato Sri Dr. Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, dalam Mesyuarat Jemaah Menteri pada 8 Jun 2022.

Kerajaan juga secara prinsipnya menerima dan mengambil maklum syor-syor Jawatankuasa Khas Hukuman Gantian Terhadap Hukuman Mati Mandatori yang dijelaskan melalui laporan kajian tersebut.

Jawatankuasa tersebut diketuai oleh Mantan Ketua Hakim Negara, Y.Bhg Tun Richard Malanjum dan dianggotai oleh pakar-pakar dalam bidang perundangan seperti bekas Hakim Besar Malaya, bekas Peguam Cara Negara, pengamal undangundang, pensyarah undang-undang daripada Institusi Pengajian Awam terkemuka dan pakar kajian jenayah (criminologist).

YB Dato Sri Dr. Haji Wan Junaidi mengesahkan bahawa Jemaah Menteri telah bersetuju agar penelitian dan kajian lanjut dilaksanakan berkaitan cadangan hukuman gantian terhadap 11 kesalahan yang membawa hukuman mati mandatori, satu (1) kesalahan di bawah seksyen 39B Akta Dadah Berbahaya 1952 [Akta 234] 2 dan 22 kesalahan yang membawa hukuman mati tetapi dengan budi bicara
Mahkamah.

Kajian lanjut ini akan dilaksanakan dengan kerjasama Jabatan Peguam Negara, Bahagian Hal Ehwal Undang-Undang, Jabatan Perdana Menteri serta lain-lain Kementerian/Jabatan berkepentingan.

Tindakan ini adalah amat signifikan bagi memastikan pindaan akta-akta yang berkaitan mengambil kira prinsip ‘proportionality’ dan keperlembagaan (constitutionality) mana-mana cadangan kepada Kerajaan nanti.

Kerajaan juga akan turut mengkaji kebolehlaksanaan berkaitan hala tuju sistem keadilan jenayah (Criminal Justice System) di negara ini, antaranya seperti pewujudan prosedur pra penghukuman (pre-sentencing procedure), penubuhan Majlis Penghukuman (Sentencing Council), pembangunan Garis Panduan
Penghukuman (Sentencing Guideline), penubuhan Suruhanjaya Pembaharuan Undang-Undang (Law Commission), pembaharuan institusi kepenjaraan (Prison Reform) dan pelaksanaan hukuman berdasarkan restorative justice.

YB Dato Sri Dr. Haji Wan Junaidi menjelaskan bahawa “keputusan berkaitan perkara ini menunjukkan keutamaan Kerajaan untuk memastikan hak semua pihak adalah terpelihara dan terjamin sekali gus mencerminkan ketelusan barisan kepimpinan negara ini dalam menambahbaik sistem keadilan jenayah negara yang serba dinamik”.

Kerajaan juga merakamkan setinggi-tinggi penghargaan di atas komitmen yang telah diberikan Jawatankuasa Khas Hukuman Gantian Terhadap Hukuman Mati Mandatori dalam penghasilan laporan kajian ini yang menjadi asas kepada perubahan sistem keadilan jenayah negara yang lebih sistematik dan efektif.


YB DATO SRI DR. HAJI WAN JUNAIDI BIN TUANKU JAAFAR
MENTERI DI JABATAN PERDANA MENTERI
(PARLIMEN DAN UNDANG-UNDANG)
10 JUN 2022

KENYATAAN-MEDIA-LAPORAN-DEATH-PENALTY_v3-P-1Download
Poster FOE 2022

Launch: #ThereIsHelp FOE in Malaysia

by AnnouncementsFeatured

SUHAKAM, Centre for Independent Journalism Malaysia (CIJ) and Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) will be launching a #ThereIsHelp Search Prompt for Freedom of Expression as an effort to provide access to information to important resources in a timely manner when it is needed the most via Twitter platform.

The launch will be held today at 9.00am and feel free to join the discussion to discuss about  #ThereIsHelp freedom of expression via Twitter Spaces, with CIJ, LFL and Twitter representative at the following date and time:

Date: 30 May 2022

Time: 4.00PM (MY time)Link : https://twitter.com/i/spaces/1djxXPpwQAXxZ?s=20

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Press Statement No. 5-2022_SUHAKAM Expresses Grave Disappointment with the Remarks by Dr. MAZA on Muslim Lawyers

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PRESS STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR (26 APRIL 2022) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) expresses grave disappointment with the remarks by the Mufti of Perlis, Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin (also known as Dr Maza), on Muslim lawyers “that Islam forbade them from protecting wrongdoers or sinners, adding that it was sinful and haram for them to accept service payment from offenders”.

The law is that Article 5(3) of the Federal Constitution guarantees the right to be represented by a legal practitioner of a person’s choice, and Article 8 provides constitutional protection, whereby all persons are equal and are entitled to equal protection by the law. Access to justice is a basic human right and an important element in any legal system.

SUHAKAM supports the statement by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament & Law), YB Dato’ Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar that “lawyers had no power to declare whether a person was guilty or innocent” and “only judges have the authority on the matter”.

In furtherance to this, SUHAKAM reiterates its call that necessary steps should be taken to ensure that the fundamental, and constitutionally guaranteed, right to legal representation is upheld.  Access to legal counsel is a cornerstone of our criminal justice system, and a crucial safeguard for the rights of a detained person. The right to be represented by a legal practitioner of a person’s choice, is a basic human right that needs to be respected. A person is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty and as such he is entitled to legal representation and the right to be defended in a court of law.

-END-

Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

26 April 2022

Media queries: Contact Mrs. Norashikin Hamzah at 03-2612 5687 / 019-621 5336 or shikin@suhakam.org.my

Press-Statement-No.-5-2022_SUHAKAM-Expresses-Grave-Disappointment-with-the-Remarks-by-Dr.-MAZA-on-Muslim-LawyersDownload
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Press Statement No. 4-2022_SUHAKAM is Deeply Distressed and Concerned Over the MACC Investigation Against YA Dato’ Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali

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PRESS STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR (26 APRIL 2022)  –  The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) is deeply distressed and concerned over the recent news that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will commence an investigation into a report of an allegation of corruption against YA Dato’ Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali, JCA (“YA Dato’ Nazlan”), an action that is unconstitutional and unprecedented by MACC, given that there are specific provisions under the Federal Constitution, to deal with allegations of wrong doing against superior court  judges.

Article 125(3A) of the Federal Constitution provides that where a superior court judge has allegedly committed a breach of any of the provisions of the Code of Ethics and the Chief Justice is of the opinion that the breach does not warrant the superior court judge to be referred to a tribunal for removal from office pursuant to Clause (4), then the Chief Justice can refer the matter to the Judges’ Ethics Committee established pursuant to the Judges’ Ethics Committee Act 2010 [Act 703].  SUHAKAM subscribes to and supports the principle of separation of powers to ensure the integrity and independence of the Judiciary is protected and to avoid any interference and political pressure against any member of the Judiciary at any time.

SUHAKAM questions the motive of MACC in launching the investigation and is of the view that MACC’s proposed investigation will set a negative and dangerous precedent that may undermine the Judiciary as an institution and as one of the pillars of a democratic Government. This may also open the floodgate to frivolous and vexatious charges and abuse of process by enforcement agencies against the Judiciary.

SUHAKAM supports the view that all judges must have the proper space to discharge their judicial duties in a manner apparent to all, and that the judicial process and decision is independent, free of any interference, considered, reasoned and honest.  Above all that, it is vital for justice not only to be seen to be done but must be done according to the law.

Accordingly, SUHAKAM calls upon the MACC to stop all investigations against YA Dato’ Nazlan, immediately.

-END-

Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

26 April 2022

Media queries: Contact Mrs. Norashikin Hamzah at 03-2612 5687 / 019-621 5336 or shikin@suhakam.org.my

Press-Statement-No.-4-2022_SUHAKAM-is-Deeply-Distressed-and-Concerned-Over-the-MACC-Investigation-Against-YA-Dato-Mohd-Nazlan-Mohd-GhazaliDownload

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION

by Write up

Racial discrimination, racism and xenophobia

Racial discrimination is a long-standing issue affecting people around the globe. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic early 2020 observed an escalation of racial discrimination against non-citizens and minorities in many places around the world including in Malaysia.

Article 1 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) defines “racial discrimination” as any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life.

Racial discrimination is against the principle of equality under Section 8(1) of the Malaysian Federal Constitution which stated that all persons are equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law.

While racial discrimination focuses on the discriminatory actions, racism inclines towards bias, prejudice, discrimination or hatred that are reflected in one’s attitudes, practices and beliefs which could lead to discrimination and exclusion because of their colour, ethnicity or national origin.

“Racist remark and xenophobia responses in Malaysia”

Malaysia is a diverse country consisting of different ethnicities. Based on 2021 national data, Malaysia’s population is estimated at 32.7 million inclusive of 2.7 million non-citizens.[1] It was reported by the UNHCR that, as of end January 2022, there are some 181,510 refugees and asylum-seekers registered with UNHCR in Malaysia.

As Malaysia grappled with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, we also witnessed the flare-up of racist remarks and xenophobic sentiments toward foreigners in Malaysia alongside demands for them to return to their countries of origin. There were times when public and political discourse have portrayed migrant workers and refugees as potential threat to national security and may jeopardise the nation’s social and economic development. Nevertheless, positive actions by the Government to deal with the COVID-19 vis-à-vis foreign migrants and refugees such as providing free testing and treatment for COVID-19 to migrants, including undocumented workers, refugees and asylum seekers and distributing food provisions through the Welfare Department and CSOs have helped suppress public xenophobic sentiments towards them.

“Why Racial Discrimination, Racism and Xenophobia are against human rights”

Racism, xenophobia, discrimination and intolerance have been affecting the society everywhere. Racism is not only harmful to the lives of those who suffer from it but also to the society as a whole and it amplifies mistrust in that it projects suspicions among each other and tearing the social unity apart. Racism and racial discrimination exist in many forms and impact many aspects of one’s life which could include the ability to find a job, equal access to education, healthcare housing, food, water or get fair treatment in justice.

“Moving towards National Unity and Social Cohesion”

According to the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2020, conducted by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), Malaysia was ranked the 23rd most peaceful country in the world. Given Malaysia’s multi-racial society with various religions and ethnicities, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) acknowledges that there are challenges in maintaining the country’s stability and peace.

Nevertheless, the diversity that we have here could be deemed as one of the nation’s strengths, with the condition that we are bonded by four key components which are social relationships, connectedness, orientation towards the common good and equality. These components require good governance and respect for human rights.[2]

SUHAKAM commends the Government’s move in accepting all recommendations made to Malaysia through its third Universal Periodic Review (UPR) by the Human Rights Council (HRC) in 2018 on national unity to maintain social cohesion in the country followed by the launch the National Unity Policy and Action Plan 2021-2030 in 2021.[3]

The policy outlines among others, continuous efforts to strengthen the unity and national integration based on the Federal Constitution and the Rukun Negara (National Philosophy) aiming at forming a national identity premised on patriotism, care, mutual respect and responsibility, as well as the appreciation to foster and strengthen the unity of the people. In line with the Keluarga Malaysia aspiration, we should strive for inclusivity, ensure common citizenship standard and respect the dignity of all, as opposed to our lives being dictated by the majority rule to the detriment of others.  

Developing aspirations and policies are important. Nevertheless, what is more critical is their meaningful execution which should be effectively monitored in order to promote national harmony, unity, reconciliation, integration and non-discrimination. This could include the enactment of relevant laws that focus on improving, safeguarding and encouraging beneficial race/ethnic relations.

“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”

This is an opportune time to remind all Malaysians the sad fact that ingrained racism, subtle forms of racial discrimination and related intolerance occurs in Malaysia. We must rise to discard this from our society.  

Racism, xenophobia and intolerance elicit hatred and distrust, thereby precluding any attempts to understand circumstances of those at the receiving end, or efforts to create an empathetic, harmonious society.

It is time to move beyond the surface of unity and undo the decades of systemic racial discrimination. Article 1 and 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)[4] proclaims that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and that everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set out therein, without distinction of any kind. Hate speech, racial stereotyping, politicisation of race as well as targeting refugees and migrant workers in social media attacks and petitions calling for their repatriation must be stopped.

SUHAKAM upholds its position that all human beings, regardless of their background, ethnicity and nationality, deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. In commemorating the International Day on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination which is annually celebrated on 22 March, each and every one of us should stand up against racial prejudice and intolerant attitudes as racism is morally wrong, in principle. The ability to look beyond religion, race, descent or place of birth is a what we need to cultivate in a harmonious multiracial society such as in Malaysia. Racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia have no place in any society.  

[1] Current Population Estimates Malaysia, 2021 https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/cthemeByCat&cat=155&bul_id=ZjJOSnpJR21sQWVUcUp6ODRudm5JZz09&menu_id=L0pheU43NWJwRWVSZklWdzQ4TlhUUT09

[2] Search for Common Ground global training modules, the United Nations Development Program

[3] A national policy on unity will be introduced to promote social cohesiveness and harmony as well as capitalise on diversity as an asset to strengthen national unity.

[4] The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a historic document which outlined the rights and freedoms everyone is entitled to