In black and white: Komas Centre director Jerald Joseph (second from left) handing over the Malaysia Racism Report 2024 to Aaron at the launch event in Petaling Jaya. — LOW BOON TAT/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Discrimination in any form should not exist in society as it undermines the foundation of unity built over the years, says Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.
Following several incidents touching on racial sensitivities, the National Unity Minister emphasised that in line with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination commemorated yesterday, Malaysians must collectively reject prejudice, negative stereotypes and any form of injustice based on race or religion.
“It 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 at the launch of Komas Centre’s Malaysia Racism Report 2024 yesterday.
According to the report, 517 incidents of racism have been recorded since 2015.
Komas, a non-governmental organisation, recommended mandatory racial and interfaith dialogues in schools, workplaces and local communities as a conciliatory approach to mitigating racial tensions.
Aaron also stressed that managing unity-related challenges requires continuous efforts to maintain societal cohesion.
“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 uphold the principles of national integration – Understanding, Respect and Acceptance – in every aspect of life.
“The National Unity Index (IPNas) study in 2022 recorded a value of 0.629, indicating that national unity remains at a moderate and stable level,” he said.
Aaron noted that Malaysia’s social deficits stem from 10 key aspects: ethnicity and religion, social class, education, language, generational gap, gender, federalism, politics, media and the urban-rural divide.
“Malaysia, as a country rich in religious, ethnic and cultural diversity, always emphasises the values of unity, harmony and mutual respect.
“Diversity is our strength and we must ensure this diversity continues to serve as a catalyst for the nation’s stability and progress,” he said.
He highlighted that to strengthen unity, the government, through the National Unity Ministry, has introduced the National Unity Policy as a key guideline for fostering a cohesive, harmonious and inclusive society.
Aaron stressed that understanding the issues and challenges of unity, as well as social deficits, is crucial in preparing for potential threats to national harmony.
“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,” he said.
