Articles

Pusat KOMAS would like to refer to the Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's stance on affirmative action policies in Malaysia as it reflects a nuanced understanding of the issues surrounding poverty, education, and socio-economic disparities. His assertion that assistance should be based on need rather than solely on race is a step in the right direction towards a more inclusive and fair approach to uplifting marginalised communities. By emphasising that poverty is not inherently tied to race and...

Pusat KOMAS welcomes the statement made by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said over the government’s plan to introduce a new legislation to regulate the use of 3R (Race, Royalty and Religion) to promote unity in Malaysia. For far too long, Malaysia has been entangled with the plight of the use of 3R on two separate levels: Politicians and political parties using 3R to monger fear amongst the rakyat for their own...

Joint Statement delivered by the CSOs with Consultative Status with AICHR on the 37th AICHR Meeting 26 May 2023, Bali, Indonesia We, the civil society organisations (CSOs) with consultative status with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), extend our sincere appreciation to the Chair of AICHR, H.E. Yuyun Wahyuningrum and excellencies representatives of ASEAN Member States to AICHR. We commend the space and opportunity provided to engage in a dialogue with civil...

As we commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Pusat KOMAS stands in solidarity with all victims of racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia around the world. Racism, xenophobia and related discrimination and intolerance exist in all societies. It harms not just the lives of those who endure it, but the society as a whole. In Malaysia, the surge of the incidents of racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia has created grave concerns in our nation...

The Harmony Cluster of the CSO Platform for Reform expresses grave concerns on the recent fatwa that was issued by the Johor Islamic Religious Council (MAINJ) that prohibits Muslims in Johor from observing the Thaipusam procession and taking part in Pongal celebrations. 

Pusat KOMAS is appalled by the recent press statement issued by the Ministry of Education on the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination workshop organised by SMK Infant Jesus Convent, Johor Bahru, Johor for Muslim students only.

The people of Malaysia will once again decide the future of the nation in the upcoming 15th General Elections. We, the Harmony Cluster of the CSO Platform for Reform, urge all Malaysians to come out and vote to reject leaders who use the racial and religious rhetoric to seize and maintain power. Race and religion have been used as an effective tool by politicians and political parties to advance their political agenda. In fact, for the past 5 years, race and religion were used by politicians...

Racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia continue to affect societies worldwide. In Malaysia, Malaysians continue to suffer inequality and discrimination due to their race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin. The year 2021 has seen its fair share of inclusive policies and sloganeering aimed to embrace the spirit of inclusivity, unity, and respect among all Malaysians. However, these initiatives were undermined by hypocrisy, as the government trumpeted inclusivity and...