THE National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) report recommends the creation of a separate commission and Ministry of National Unity, says Denison Jayasooria, former National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) secretariat.

“We ask the government to establish an independent commission free from politics,” Denison said at the “Malaysia Closer Towards International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination Ratification” national conference.

“We also ask that the government also establish a separate Ministry of National Unity and Social Cohesion,” he said, based on recommendations made by the report.

“It is currently only a department in the prime minister’s office, but if it becomes a ministry, they will have proper funding to carry out their agenda.” he said.

One key issue faced in the report, is that the Federal Constitution is being advocated and interpreted in different ways, as many people are not reading the document in full, but through biased opinion, said Denison.

“Many Malaysian communities are using religion, special position, language and equality in a direction that’s biased towards them,” he said.

‘We recommend that there is a balanced understanding that is inclusive of all communities in Malaysia, which also requires a deep sense of maturity.” he told The Malaysian Insight after the event in Petaling Jaya.

“Public awareness is important, as this is the time for public comment on the report,” the Institute of Ethnic Studies professor said.

The council was created in an effort to reduce racial discrimination and to build a united Malaysia.

The NUCC have identified 11 key issues faced by citizens at the workplace due to racial discrimination.

The blueprint report concluded with nine key outcomes and 15 recommendations describing a possible plan of action with defined strategies to strengthen communities within Malaysia. – October 23, 2018.