Articles

Pusat KOMAS contemplates and writes about the situation of race, ethnicity, interracial relations etc. in Malaysia.

Press Statement: Code of Conduct for the Promotion of Equal Opportunities through the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

The Penang State Government will be introducing a “Code of Conduct for the Promotion of Equal Opportunities through the Elimination of Racial Discrimination” within state-owned and state-linked enterprises as well as the private sector after the 14th General Elections. The Penang State Government believes that the elimination of racial discrimination in the workplace is necessary in a Malaysia mudded by xenophobia, racial politics, religious extremism, and preferential treatment for specific...

read more

Delimitation proposed by Election Commission (EC) is Segregating Malaysians and Encourages Racial Politics

Pusat KOMAS is deeply disappointed and concerned over the delimitation proposal that was gazetted[1] earlier today. Looking at the report published by EC, the delimitation is found to be flawed and unfair as it contains elements of gerrymandering - the act of manipulating boundaries of (an electoral constituency) so as to favour one side or party. Pusat KOMAS believes that the delimitation is an act of injustice towards the people's votes and it may have a long term effect in imperilling...

read more

The Proposal for the Abolishment of Scholarships for Ethnic Minority Students is a Betrayal to Malaysia’s Nation Building

Pusat KOMAS condemns the racist statement that was made during the “Konvensyen Kebangkitan Ummah” that was held last Saturday especially for the call of the abolishment of scholarships for students from the ethnic minority. Pusat KOMAS would like to stress that the call for the abolishment of scholarships for the ethnic minority students in Malaysia is an arrogant call that should not exist in an independent state which wishes to be a developed nation. Pusat KOMAS further believes that this...

read more

Ethnic-Based Political Parties are not Relevant in Malaysia

Pusat KOMAS is appalled by the views by certain quarters which stressed that ethic-based political parties are still relevant in this country. We would like to reiterate that ethic-based political parties are not and will not be relevant in the past, present or in the future. It is essential to note that the establishment of ethnic-based political parties are a manifestation of the divide and rule policy which was used by colonial administrators in the past to maintain power. It is therefore...

read more

Pusat KOMAS Objects the Statement made by Terengganu Police Chief

Pusat KOMAS is appalled by the recent statement issued by the Terengganu Police Chief Datuk Aidi Ismail who attributed the low crime rates in Terengganu to the state’s 97% Malay population when referring to the record of gangsterism in the state. Pusat KOMAS asserts that it is improper for any parties, the government or the general public, to attribute any forms of crimes to a particular ethnic group. Even though, the Terengganu’s police force success in combatting the issue of gangsterism in...

read more

Joint Statement by Civil Society (and individuals) on Book Banning, Thought Control and Academic Meddling

Joint Statement by Civil Society (and individuals) on Book Banning, Thought Control and Academic Meddling We, the undersigned civil society organisations and individuals, register our gravest concern and strongest objection to a series of crackdowns on intellectuals from September 25 to October 3. These include the arrest of Turkish writer Mustafa Akyol, the harassment and persecution of Akyol’s host, Dr Farouk Musa of Islamic Renaissance Front (IRF) and the banning of 22 books, including...

read more

To Our Bangsa Malaysia: Selamat Hari Malaysia

Today, the Federation of Malaysia celebrates its 54th birthday of the enjoining together of 3 nations. This day marks the union of Malaya, North Borneo and Sarawak which prides itself as a nation called Malaysia. It is on this auspicious day that Malaysians from different cultures and traditions come together to form our own “Malaysian” identity. This special day must be treasured to highlight the struggle of Malaysia moving away from the history of colonization and racism to become a nation...

read more

BUMIPUTERA FOR ALL MALAYSIANS

PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 20 JUNE 2017 BUMIPUTERA FOR ALL MALAYSIANS Pusat KOMAS applauds the suggestions made by the Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak to study the inclusion of Indian-Muslims as bumiputeras. However, we believe that the study should not only be focused on Indian-Muslims but it should encompass Malaysians from different races to be in line with the values promoted in the 1 Malaysia concept introduced by the Prime Minister. Pusat KOMAS would like to...

read more

SUARAM’s Press Statement – Release Odhikar Activists Immediately!

For Immediate Release 20 July 2017 Release Odhikar Activists Immediately! Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) condemns the detention of Adilur Rahman Khan, Secretary of Odhikar, a human rights NGO based in Bangladesh. Adilur was detained by Malaysian Immigration at KL International Airport at about 4AM, 20 July 2017. As of 10AM reasons for his detention is not given by the immigration and SUARAM was informed that he has been moved to immigration lock-up. SUARAM calls for his immediate release and...

read more

There is a Time and Place for Affirmative Action

Pusat KOMAS applauds Minister of Youth and Sports, Khairy Jamaluddin’s recent statement concerning the country’s affirmative action policies. Indeed, after 60 years of independence and 54 years since the formation of Malaysia, we have become proud and capable citizens who can stand on our own feet and efforts with our heads held high. Any further continuation of race based affirmative action policies would not only result in resentment from most communities, it would also be an insult and be...

read more

Statement Archives

National & Local Advocacy

Research & Publications

International Standards & Policies

Indigenous Peoples Support

Civil Society Network Host & Secretariat

Advocacy and Education Tools