Pusat KOMAS today officially launched the Malaysia Racism Report 2025, marking the 11th consecutive year of documenting and analysing incidents of racism and racial discrimination across the country. The report presents critical findings that highlight persistent...
We, the undersigned civil society organisations and individuals, strongly condemn and question the justification behind the actions of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Madani Government in commencing investigations against several activists, academics, and...
Pusat KOMAS strongly condemns the recent act by a university student who posted an image on social media showing the Qur’an being stepped on. Such behaviour is deeply offensive, irresponsible, and has no place in a society that values mutual respect and peaceful...
Petaling Jaya, 9 December 2024 – In conjunction with International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) on December 9 and Human Rights Day (HRD) on December 10, Pusat KOMAS highlights the urgent need to address corruption and racism as interconnected threats to human rights. These systemic issues pose irreparable harm to the present generation, particularly youth, and jeopardise the future of an inclusive, equitable Malaysia. Corruption is not just an economic or governance issue, it is a human rights...
Pusat Komas expresses deep concern over Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's remarks in Parliament on 28 November 2024, regarding Malaysia’s non-participation in South Africa’s application to initiate proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The justification, citing Malaysia’s inability to ratify the Rome Statute and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), is both disappointing and regressive. While we...
Pusat KOMAS expresses deep concern and disappointment over the recent police investigation into Teresa Kok, the DAP Vice President, following her remarks on halal certification. While we acknowledge the sensitivities surrounding religious matters in Malaysia, we are deeply troubled by the disproportionate response to Ms. Kok's comments compared to the inflammatory and racist remarks made by Dr. Akmal Saleh, the Head of Umno Youth. Ms. Kok's statements, while critical of the proposed mandatory...
The Coalition of Malaysian NGOs in the Universal Periodic Review Process (COMANGO) congratulates Malaysia on its participation in the Fourth Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review* (UPR) in January 2024, where it received 348 recommendations. The recommendations encompass a range of longstanding and emerging issues on civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights and those pertaining to diverse marginalised groups. Of the 348 recommendations, 182 were accepted while 41 were partially...
Pusat KOMAS lauds the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his bold announcement to dismantle racial barriers in the education sector and guarantees all SPM scorers with 10As and above a spot in matriculation programmes offered by the Education Ministry. We applaude the announcement as it is the first step towards recognising our top talents by giving them guarantees to pre-university education in Malaysia based on merits rather than race. In the past, the matriculation programme has...
Pusat KOMAS is deeply concerned by the recent eviction of the Bajau Laut community in Semporna, Sabah. The NGO Borneo Komrad claimed that the Bajau Laut community of Semporna was evicted by the authorities and their stilt houses were demolished. According to its founder Mukmin Nantang, the operation was said to have been carried out on Tuesday and Wednesday against the Bajau Laut community living on seven islands in Semporna, including Pulau Bohey Dulang, Pulau Maiga, Pulau Bodgaya, Pulau...
We, Pusat KOMAS, are deeply concerned by the recent protests at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) against the potential inclusion of non-Bumiputera students in selected programmes. While we acknowledge the historical context and intent behind UiTM's establishment, we believe that the current calls to maintain Bumiputera exclusivity in all programs are not in line with the evolving needs of our nation. Malaysia is facing a critical shortage of specialists, particularly in fields like...
Today marks 55 years since May 13, 1969. The racial riots remain a truly traumatic experience for our young nation. While there is a generation of Malaysians who did not live through the incident, many of us still bear its open wounds to this day, with mere mentions of the May 13 riots striking fear into the hearts of Malaysians. On this day, Pusat KOMAS reminds the rakyat of how this narrative of fear has divided our country. In 2024, it is sad to see Malaysians continue to be held ransom by...
Pusat Komas is deeply concerned about recent racially-charged comments made by newly-established local fast food restaurant DarSa Fried Chicken, which drew criticism for its use of the race card. We, Pusat KOMAS, back DAP vice-chairperson Teresa Kok’s calls for de-escalation over this latest incident in a string of issues tied to race and religion that have plagued the nation in the last few months. In an online apology last night, DarSa Fried Chicken, which describes itself as “100 percent...
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...