PETALING JAYA: Discrimination in any form should not exist in society as it will only destroy the foundation of unity built over the years, says National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.
On the heels of several incidents that touch on racial sensitivities, Aaron said in lieu of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Malaysians should collectively reject prejudice, negative stereotypes and any form of injustice based on race or religion.
"Today is an immensely important day in the global effort to uphold the principles of social justice.
"It is not just a reminder but also a symbol of unwavering commitment at both the global and national levels to eradicate incidents of racism, racial discrimination, racial slurs and prejudices that could disrupt societal harmony," he said in his speech during the launch of KOMAS Centre's Malaysian Racism Report 2024.
In the report, among others, KOMAS said 517 incidents of racism have been reported since 2015.
The non-governmental organisation also recommended mandatory racial and interfaith dialogue at schools, workplaces and local communities as a way to provide a conciliatory approach in mitigating racial tension issues.
Aaron also said managing issues and challenges concerning unity requires continuous approaches and initiatives to ensure that societal cohesion is consistently preserved.
"We cannot deny that challenges still exist. Racial discrimination, in any form, can damage the bonds we have long built. Therefore, it is our shared responsibility to ensure that the principles of national integration, namely Understanding, Respect, and Acceptance, continue to be practised in every aspect of life.
"The National Unity Index (IPNas) study in 2022 recorded a value of 0.629, indicating that national unity is at a moderate and stable level."
He said that in Malaysia, the social deficits that require attention stem from the 10 aspects of ethnicity, religion, social class, education, language, generational gap, gender, federalism politics,media, and the urban-rural divide.
"Malaysia, as a country rich in diversity of religion, ethnicity, and culture, always emphasises the values of unity, harmony, and mutual respect.
"Diversity is our strength, and we must ensure that this diversity continues to be a catalyst for the nation’s stability and progress."
"In the effort to strengthen unity, the government, through the National Unity Ministry has introduced the National Unity Policy as a principal guideline in building a cohesive, harmonious, and inclusive society."
Aaron said understanding the issues and challenges of unity or social deficits helps all parties prepare to face various possibilities that could cause unrest and threaten unity.
"We remain committed to promoting social harmony through the new approach of 'Harmony in Diversity' and the creation of a Progressive Nation-State.
"In conjunction with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, let us resolve to build a more united, inclusive, and harmonious Malaysia Madani."
