Proposal to set up a national harmony commission

OUR country’s greatest strength has always been its diversity. As a multiracial, multireligious and multicultural nation, we have long prided ourselves on our ability to live together in peace, mutual respect and shared prosperity.

In recent years, however, we have witnessed increasing instances of racial and religious sensitivities being tested which, if left unchecked, may erode the very foundation of our national unity.

In this regard, I strongly call for the establishment of a national harmony commission as an independent statutory body dedicated to safeguarding and strengthening inter-ethnic and interfaith harmony in our country.

The commission should be entrusted with the following tasks:

> Prevent escalation of racial and religious tensions;

> Promote mutual respect and understanding;

> Advise the government on sensitive policies;

> Address hate speech and incitement responsibly; and

> Strengthen social cohesion in the digital era.

Harmony cannot be sustained through laws alone. It requires continuous dialogue, education, and engagement. The commission could facilitate structured interfaith and intercultural dialogues, promote community-based initiatives and recommend policies that foster inclusivity and mutual respect.

Policies touching on race, religion, language and education must be approached with sensitivity and balance. An independent commission would be well positioned to provide objective, research-based advice to the government and Parliament to ensure that national policies strengthen rather than strain unity.

The commission could recommend appropriate non-punitive interventions where suitable, promote responsible discourse, and develop guidelines to curb incitement without undermining legitimate freedom of expression.

The rapid spread of misinformation and inflammatory content through social media poses new challenges. A national harmony commission could work closely with stakeholders, including civil society, media platforms and educational institutions, to promote digital responsibility and counter divisive narratives.

Malaysia’s plural society is not incidental; it is foundational. Since independence under the leadership of Tunku Abdul Rahman, our nation has been built upon the principles of moderation, compromise and respect for diversity. These principles must be actively protected and nurtured.

A national harmony commission would:

   > Serve as a neutral platform for dialogue and mediation;

   > Conduct research on racial and religious relations to inform evidence-based policymaking;

   > Recommend legislative or administrative reforms where necessary;

   > Promote national values rooted in the Rukun Negara; and

   > Act as a guardian of unity, ensuring that differences are managed constructively rather than destructively.

The establishment of this commission should not be seen as a reaction to crisis but as a proactive step towards nation-building.

Its composition must reflect Malaysia’s diversity and include respected individuals of integrity from various communities as well as experts in law, sociology, conflict resolution and human rights.

As chairman of the Alliance for a Safe Community, I firmly believe that safety is not merely the absence of crime; it is also the presence of trust, mutual respect and social cohesion.

Let us therefore take this bold and forward-looking step to institutionalise harmony as a national priority. In doing so, we safeguard not only our present stability but also the future of generations to come.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE

Kuala Lumpur