Suhakam calls for laws to prohibit hate speech and discrimination

PETALING JAYA: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has called on the government to comply with the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) to eliminate racial discrimination and promote tolerance and understanding.
"Malaysia continues to be confronted with evidence that it is still far from realising the goal of inter-ethnic, racial and religious harmony that our founding fathers had strived to achieve," the organisation said in a statement today, citing the recent CENBET survey which found that 1 in 3 Malaysians have racist tendencies.
The commission also urged the government to enact a Racial, Religious and Hate Crimes Act and a National Harmony and Reconciliation Act to outlaw hate speech and prohibit discrimination.
"The Commission is of the view that the promotion of tolerance and understanding that all people are equal in their dignity and rights will contribute enormously towards a more harmonious and tranquil society that is free from prejudices, intolerance and stereotypes," it said in the statement, released in conjunction with the International Elimination of Racial Discrimination Day on March 21.