KUCHING: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) and National Unity Ministry have not done enough to stem the growing racism and religious intolerance in the country.
Global Human Rights Federation Malaysia deputy president Peter John Jaban said racism in Malaysia today was "a pervasive and persistent problem that continues to plague our nation in the form of discrimination, division, distrust, intolerance and hate".
"Racial and religious intolerance continue to rear their ugly head in Malaysia, with recent acts further exacerbating tensions and divisions within society.
"These acts not only showcase the ignorance and insensitivity of certain individuals, but also highlight the need for greater understanding and respect for diversity in the country," he said.
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, established in 1966 by the United Nations, is observed annually on March 21.
Jaban said the day was a reminder of "our collective responsibility to combat racism, promote tolerance, and strive for a more equitable world".
He said Suhakam and the National Unity Ministry were "ignorant and lackadaisical" to the racism, fanaticism and extremism in Malaysia.
"The three main objectives of the National 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 producing Malaysians who appreciate and foster unity.
Jaban said Suhakam was "inefficient and inactive" in addressing issues the injustice, double-standard policies impacting non-Muslims or minorities in the country.
The GHRF deputy president said enforcing and abiding by the 30 basic human rights list as enriched by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948 (UDHR) is therefore non-negotiable.