KUALA LUMPUR: Pusat Komas, a non-governmental human rights organisation that combats racism and racial discrimination, has proposed the introduction of a code of ethics to promote non-discriminatory speech in Malaysia’s Parliament.
The NGO said the code would be similar to that of other countries and bodies such as the United Kingdom, South Africa, the European Union, and the United Nations.
These measures aim to help MPs better understand what constitutes racist or discriminatory remarks in the August House, while also assisting presiding speakers in making rulings on incendiary remarks.
The call comes following a meeting on April 13 between five representatives of Pusat Komas, led by its director, Jerald Joseph, and attended by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.
Two weeks ago, Pusat Komas released the Malaysia Racism Report 2025. The report documents 107 racism-related incidents last year – the highest number of incidents in the past 11 years.
Parliament accounted for 43 cases, largely driven by racial majoritarianism narratives, xenophobic rhetoric, and religious fearmongering, highlighting the responsibility of elected representatives in shaping inclusive discourse.
The April 13 meeting was also attended by All Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia-Racial and Religious Harmony (APPGM-RRH) chairperson Syahredzan Johan and his deputy chairperson Halimah Ali.
Also present were Dewan Rakyat secretary Nizam Mydin Bacha Mydin, Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations senior principal assistant director Murni Wan Mohd Nor, and International Islamic University Malaysia’s Associate Professor Dr Syaza Farhana Muhammad Shukri.
Pusat Komas today said it appreciated that Johari, Nizam and APPGM-RRH were taking note of the findings and recommendations made in the Malaysia Racism Report 2025.
“We are confident that the relevant parties in attendance will act to address the concerns raised in the report and by the rakyat in ensuring that Parliament remains a democratic pillar where dialogue on policy and reform is constructive and free from racial and religious politicking,” the NGO said in a statement.
According to Pusat Komas, the report was formally handed over to Syahredzan, while Johari had instructed that further study and action be carried out.
Main image: Joseph presenting the Malaysia Racism Report 2025 to Syahredzan.
