Malaysia still does not have the moral courage or the gumption to ratify this vital international treaty to combat racism and racial discrimination and all forms of intolerance precisely because it allows racial discrimination and periodic demonstrations by racists and fascists who try to intimidate peace-loving Malaysians whenever they call for reforms and civil rights.
This is certainly not the first time that we are witnessing such expressions of such crude racism and calls for bloodletting. In the prelude to Operation Lalang, UMNO Youth organized a rally at the Jalan Raja Muda Stadium in Kuala Lumpur at which racist and fascist slogans were displayed calling for, among other things,
By ratifying the CERD, the Malaysian government would be obliged to enact specific laws outlawing racism and racial discrimination as well as submit regular reports to the CERD Committee on how the rights are being implemented.
A Racial Discrimination or Equality Act
A Racial Discrimination or Equality Act, that exists in countries which have ratified the CERD(The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination), is aimed at ensuring that citizens of all backgrounds are treated equally and have the same opportunities regardless of race, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin, and immigration status. Such a law also outlaws racial hatred and protects anyone who is harassed because of his or her race.
Employers have a legal responsibility to take all reasonable steps to prevent racism and racial discrimination and should have policies and programs in place to prevent racial discrimination in the workplace.
Making a complaint to the Equality & Human Rights Commission
Countries that are genuinely concerned about eliminating racism, racial discrimination and related intolerance would have instituted an Equality & Human Rights Commission and it would be incumbent upon the Commission to investigate any complaint by citizens and to resolve it. If the complaint is not resolved, it can be taken to the courts. The Commission undertakes a wide range of activities to build awareness about the rights and responsibilities that individuals and organisations have under the Racial Discrimination or Equality Act including national consultations, conferences, community and online forums.
Zero tolerance for racists and fascists
Apart from the appeal to international conventions against racism and racial hatred, our multi-ethnic society cannot tolerate any public expression of racial hatred or racial vilification which is likely to offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate. There should be no platform for the so-called ‘Red Shirts’ September 16 rally calling for defence of “Malay dignity” and threatening the Chinese in this country with bloodletting. They cannot appeal to the democratic right to assemble and the right to freedom of expression simply because they have grossly violated the International Convention on the Eradication of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
Dr Kua Kia Soong is adviser to Suaram, the human rights group.
Note: When is Malaysia going to have signed this Righteous convention: The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD). We are a multiracial and multi-religious country. Malaysia need to affirm this convention, to ensure that citizens of all backgrounds are treated equally and have the same opportunities regardless of race, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin, and immigration status. Such a law also outlaws racial hatred and protects anyone who is harassed because of his or her race.
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[source::: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/highlight/2015/09/10/no-human-rights-for-racists-and-fascists/]
