Malaysia is ready: Say NO to racism!
It is all too clear that racism continues to plague Malaysia ever since independence. More worryingly, matters do not appear to be improving. Day after day, even after 55 years, we hear of more incidents and statements attempting to stoke the flames of ethnic and sectarian sentiments. This has become all the more apparent in the lead up to the 13th General Elections, where questions about its results are often coupled with concerns about the state of community relations in the country, should there be drastic changes to the current balance of power.
It
is for that reason that it is crucial for the Malaysian government to
assure the Rakyat of its commitment to end racist politics. This after
all is in line with the Prime Minister's own calls for reform, in
particular, to lead Malaysia towards the path of a mature and inclusive
democracy, where policies can be discussed without the threat of racial
division.
As
Southeast Asia, and indeed the world, becomes integrated in the current
age of Globalization, and as technology and social media bring people
of different cultures and nations closer and closer together, it is
imperative that our government too reflect this reality in their vision
for our future. For if not, we risk being merely a country of fragmented
communities living in prolonged fear and suspicion towards one
another.
Therefore
it is today more important than ever that the Malaysian government
ratify ICERD (the United Nations' International Convention for the
Elimination of Racism and Discrimination). This would not only
demonstrate the much needed seriousness in the government's desire to
tackle racism, it would also set the precedent to ensure that the
policies it puts in place is inclusive for all Malaysians regardless of
their culture, ethnicity or religion.
It
is for that reason Pusat Komas, the Islamic Renaissance Front and
Projek Dialog, alongside other concerned organisations and citizens will
be launching a promotional event to campaign and urge the Malaysian
government to ratify ICERD.
The event will be held at KGPA / Kelab Golf Perkhidmatan Awam in Mont Kiara on February 23rd and will feature Dr. Ahmad Farouk Musa, Jerald Joseph, Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, Datin Seri Paduka Marina Mahathir, Zaid Kamarudin, Lim Chee Wee and Dr. Kua Kia Soong, among many others.
We urge all concerned citizens of Malaysia to join us on that day. It is time. Malaysia is ready to say NO TO RACISM!
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