Education Awareness Needed To Address Racial Religious Tensions Says Bar

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Malaysian Bar president Ezri Abdul Wahab said the country must cultivate an environment where mutual respect, understanding and meaningful dialogue thrive. (Facebook pic)
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Bar says the persistent rise in racial and religious tensions in Malaysia clearly show that punishment alone is not an effective solution.
The Bar said that while it acknowledged the government’s position that existing laws are sufficient to curb racism, efforts to combat racism must include investments in meaningful education, structural reforms and sustained efforts to foster true national unity.
“Instead of relying solely on punitive measures, we must cultivate an environment where mutual respect, understanding and meaningful dialogue thrive,” said the Bar’s president Ezri Abdul Wahab in a statement.
“Racism often stems from ignorance, systemic biases and deeply ingrained prejudices – issues that cannot simply be eradicated through punishment.
“The Malaysian Bar urges the government to adopt a more comprehensive and forward-thinking approach by integrating legal mechanisms with education, public awareness campaigns and institutional reforms.
“The time has come to shift from mere enforcement to empowerment, from punishment to progress, and from reactionary laws to proactive solutions.” he said.
Ezri said the Bar had previously advocated for legislative reforms, including the introduction of a Harmony Act – a framework that moves beyond punishment and focusses on education, mediation and proactive conflict resolution.
He said such legislation aims to address discrimination, racism and religious intolerance at their roots – while ensuring that legal mechanisms protect all Malaysians equitably.
Earlier today, national unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang said the government had no plans to introduce an Anti-Racial Discrimination Act as existing laws were adequate to tackle racial and religious offences.
Aaron, who was speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, was responding to Lim Guan Eng’s (PH-Bagan) query about the government’s stance on enacting an Anti-Racial Discrimination Act in light of racial issues involving political figures and extremists.
Lim cited a recent incident involving a corn seller in Sepang, Selangor, who sparked controversy by displaying a sign which contained a racist slur against Indians.
The sign also stated that his produce was not for sale to Indians. He later apologised but has since been arrested by the police. - FMT

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