DISCRIMINATION cannot be eliminated using legalistic means, Kluang MP Wong Shu Qi said. 

Wong held the view that enacting an anti-discrimination law would not resolve discrimination issues.

“If you need enforcement officers to tell you what needs to be done and what should not be done, then something is not right,” she said.

Earlier, a survey by Architects of Diversity revealed that 64% of Malaysians have reported experiencing some form of discrimination in the past 12 months.

Socio-economic status topped the types of discrimination faced in the past year with 38%, followed by age (33%) and ethnicity (32%). 

The findings showed Hindus were more likely to experience religious-based discrimination at 40%, Muslims (20%), Christians (26%) and Buddhists (22%).

Wong was a speaker at today’s launch of the State of Discrimination Survey 2023. 

Wong felt that members of a healthy and harmonious community should be able to nurture good ties from a very young age. 

“We shouldn’t bring down anyone because of their race or religious background,” she said.

“In a more harmonious society, it should be resolved in a much more peaceful manner, as it can improve understanding and relationships, rather than resorting to government enforcement of laws.

“It is not about tolerating racial and religious differences in this country, it should be about accepting them,” she added.  

Wong agreed that such a law would help in certain aspects, for example to prohibit racial discrimination among property owners.

The proposed Residential Tenancy Act, which prohibits racial discrimination, is expected to be tabled in parliament next year. – September 14, 2023.