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 today. Over the past 8 years of monitoring and reporting incidents of racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia in Malaysia, the year 2022 has seen the highest number of incidents. Malaysians continue to suffer from inequality and discrimination due to their race, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin.
The surge of incidents could be attributed to the 15th General Elections where politicians, political parties and affiliated members continue to use race and religion as their political tool to garner votes and support. Based on the exploratory observation of incidents of racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia reported in the media and social media, a total of 82 incidents were documented. These incidents were categorised into eight trends respectively:
- Racial and/or Religious Politics
- Racial and/or Religious Expressions of Prejudice, Provocation and/or Incitement
- Racial and/or Religious Discrimination in the Education Sector
- Racial and/or Religious Discrimination in Employment
- Racially Discriminatory Government Initiatives and Policies
- Racial Discrimination in the Rental Market
- Racism in Sports
- Xenophobia
Racial and Religious Politics constitutes the largest percentage of incidents totalling 56% followed by Racial and/or Religious Expressions of Prejudice, Provocation and/or Incitement 16%, and Racially Discriminatory Government Initiatives and Policies, 9%. It is alarming that racial and religious politics constitute the highest number of incidents as it may evoke negative emotions and create long-lasting fear against the others. This may have long lasting impacts on race relations, creating distrust and interracial animosity.
Immediate actions are required to address the growing issue of racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia in the nation. In conjunction with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we once again reiterate the need to have an impetus to combat racism. We hope that the Malaysia Racism Report 2022 could serve as a documentation of the incidents of racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia and it will provide all Malaysians an avenue to learn and understand the symptoms of this issue. Lastly, we hope that the Malaysian government takes our report seriously and identifies ways to stem the sad racism pandemic that has plagued us for decades. Let us all rise up to fight against racism. We all have a part to play in building a world beyond racism.
The Malaysia Racism Report 2022 is now available online here.
Released by,
Pusat KOMAS
21 March 2023