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 togetherness but reverted to the use of racial rhetoric to seize and maintain power. Race-based approaches towards policy planning continue to obscure class divisions which eventually perpetuate systems of inequality.
Pusat KOMAS in its 7th edition of the Malaysia Racial Discrimination Report has seen an increase of incidents of racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia in Malaysia. Based on the exploratory observation of incidents of racism and racial discrimination reported in the media, a total of 53 incidents of racism and racial discrimination were documented. These incidents were categorised into seven different trends respectively:
- Racial and Religious Politics
- Racial and Religious Provocation
- Racial Discrimination in the Education Sector
- Racism in the Media and the Internet
- Racial Discrimination in the Business Sector
- Racism and Racial Discrimination in Other Sectors
- Xenophobia
The list of incidents of racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia documented in this report is not exhaustive of all the situations and problems experienced by all Malaysians, but it outlines a few broad trends where such instances occur. These trends, of course, may vary in numbers from one to another, but they are significant enough to be of concern.
Pusat KOMAS hopes that the 7th edition of the Malaysia Racial Discrimination Report could act as an important documentation and record of the incidents of racial discrimination that have taken place in Malaysia. Despite such expressions of racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia, people from all walks of life are raising their voices against discrimination. This was also reflected in the report where 61 efforts to combat racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia were also captured.
Collective effort by multiple/various stakeholders is required to combat the rising frequency of incidents of racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia. Immediate actions must be taken to overcome the increased presence of racial and religious politics that continue to erode the social fabric of the nation.
In conjunction with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we would like to invite people from all walks of life to raise their voice against racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia. Every one of us can contribute to this global movement and every action – even the smallest one – counts. We can make a difference right here and right now. Let us come together to #FightRacism especially in Malaysia so that everyone in Malaysia can be treated equally and fairly with dignity. You may view the Malaysia Racial Discrimination Report 2021 here.