Letter to Editor
THE International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was established in 1966 by the United Nations General Assembly. It’s observed annually on March 21 and serves as a vital reminder of our collective responsibility to combat racism, promote tolerance, and strive for a more equitable world.
Principles of equality
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document in the history of human rights. Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, it states that everyone is entitled to fundamental rights and freedoms without distinction of any kind, regardless of race, colour, religion, language, national or social origin, political, and other status.
One of the key principles of the UDHR is the rejection of any doctrine of racial superiority. The General Assembly also emphasised that any doctrine of racial superiority is scientifically false, morally condemnable, socially unjust and dangerous and must be rejected, together with theories that attempt to determine the existence of separate human races.
Despite the principles enshrined in the UDHR, the rise of xenophobia, racism, racial discrimination and intolerance in our nation is very alarming. Today, racism is a pervasive and persistent problem that continues to plague our nation in the form of discrimination, division, distrust, intolerance and hate.
Where is Malaysia headed as a failed state?
Malaysia, once known for its diverse culture and vibrant economy, is now facing a crisis of identity and economic decline due to the misuse of religion as a political tool.
Using religion as a political tool to gain power and control is not only unethical but also detrimental to the progress and development of a nation. Malaysia is at risk of becoming a failed state if it continues down this path of religious intolerance and extremism.
Religious beliefs are supposed to be followed in accordance with one’s religious teachings, not by interfering with and imposing them on others and restricting their freedom and ways.
Today, NGO’s and netizens are deeply concerned and increasingly disturbed by the level of racial and religious intolerance that is morphing into a threat to national unity and harmony by extremist and conservative thinking groups.
Thus, pushing the country back to stone age, causing further impact on the country’s economy.
Inactive, inaction SUHAKAM and the Unity Ministry
In this regard, GHRF wishes to register its greatest disappointment towards the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) and the Unity Ministry for their ignorance and lackadaisical attitude against racism, fanaticism and extremism in Malaysia.
The three main objectives of the policy of Unity Ministry are to strengthen unity and national integration based on the Federal Constitution and the Rukun Negara; “form a national identity with character, patriotism, consideration, tolerance, mutual respect and responsibility, as well as produce Malaysians who appreciate and foster unity”.
Has this principle ever been upheld and put into any form of action or measure taken by the Unity Ministry to fight against racial and religious intolerance, which is rapidly growing in this nation?
Hence, SUHAKAM, in undertaking its functions, which include the promotion and protection of human rights as defined in Part II of the Federal Constitution, as well as guided by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948 as allowed by Act 597.
SUHAKAM is of the view that all religions demand justice, equality and dignity, which also form the cornerstones of the Federal Constitution of Malaysia as well as international human rights standards. NGO’s and public opinions strongly hold on to the total inefficiency and inactivity of SUHAKAM in speaking up and addressing issues against injustice, double standard policies and religious persecution impacting non-Muslims or minorities in the country.
Malaysia and United Nations Declaration
I would like to remind you that, as Malaysia is part of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the term 2022–2024, having been elected on Oct 15, 2021, Malaysia is obliged to uphold the 30 articles enshrined under the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948 (UDHR), mainly as mentioned in:
Article 1: All humans are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
Article 2: Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
Article 7: All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination, to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.
Article 18: Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.
Unfortunately, none of this is being applied by the government of Malaysia or upheld by the Malaysian Human Rights Commission or the Unity Ministry, which reveals the hypocrisy of the Malaysians who undersigned the declaration.
GHRF’s ultimate objective is to uphold the Federal Constitution as well as the principles of Rukun Negara, parliamentary democracy, rule of law and equality without discrimination or hints of apartheid.
GHRF deems that enforcing and abiding by the 30 basic human rights list as enriched by the UDHR 1948 is non-negotiable. – March 21, 2024
S. Shashi Kumar is the Global Human Rights Federation (GHRF) founder and president.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
