Malaysians are Racist: Understanding the Roots



Racism is a deep-rooted issue that has existed in Malaysian society because the main ethnic groups include Malays, Chinese, Indians and it has also been happening all over the world for centuries. It is a problem that transcends boundaries, affecting individuals, communities and countries. To effectively deal with racism, it is important to understand its roots, recognize its effects and explore ways to eliminate them.[1]

What is racism?

Racism is a specific form of discrimination that involves prejudiced or unfair treatment of individuals based on their characteristics  such as race, gender, skin color, religion, status and so on. It could also be in various forms, including: 

  • Interpersonal Racism: Racism between individuals. This includes personal biases, racial slurs, stereotypes, or exclusion

  • Institutional Racism: Racism within organizations and systems. Examples include unfair hiring practices or unequal access to education and healthcare.
  • Structural Racism: Racism across society’s systems, like housing, education, and law enforcement. It’s the combined effect of historical and systemic inequalities, such as segregation and wealth gaps.

The impact of racism in our society

Racism affects individuals and communities in profound ways:

Social Inequality : 
  • Unequal Treatment: Policies like Malaysia’s Bumiputera programs aim to help Malays and indigenous groups but often leave out non-Malay communities, creating barriers to scholarships, public jobs, and affordable housing. This fuels resentment and divides communities.
  • Discrimination and Prejudice: Prejudices in workplaces, schools, and social settings reinforce stereotypes and make minority groups feel undervalued, leading to social tension and mistrust.
Economic Gaps : 

  • Uneven Wealth Distribution: Economic policies haven’t eliminated disparities. Chinese Malaysians dominate businesses, while Malays benefit from government-linked roles. Indian Malaysians often struggle to find representation, worsening divides.

  • Economic Inefficiency: Favoring ethnicity over merit in jobs and education hurts productivity and limits innovation, weakening Malaysia’s global competitiveness.

Loss of Talent : 

  • Brain Drain: Many skilled Chinese and Indian Malaysians emigrate to countries like Singapore and Australia, seeking fairness and better opportunities. For example, racial bias in school sports often discourages talented minority athletes.

  • Missed Contributions: Losing skilled individuals slows economic growth and innovation while weakening Malaysia’s multicultural identity, one of its key strengths.

How to combat racism?

Although racism is a complex issue, there are steps we can take to combat it:

Fighting Racism Through Education

Education is one of the most powerful tools to combat racism. Teaching diversity, cultural histories, and the harms of stereotypes helps children grow up with respect for different backgrounds. Awareness campaigns in media and communities can challenge harmful ideas, while businesses can host workshops to address biases. Education builds understanding and fosters a more compassionate society.

The Role of Legal Reform

A strong legal framework is vital to end racism. Governments must enforce anti-discrimination laws and provide easy ways for victims to report and address incidents. Representation in leadership, workplaces, and media also ensures that all voices are heard and valued. Fair systems discourage racism and lay the groundwork for lasting change.

Community Engagement and Unity

Bringing people together is key to overcoming racism. Open dialogues allow individuals to share experiences and learn from each other. Festivals, art events, and storytelling highlight the richness of diversity and encourage empathy. Grassroots initiatives can tackle racism at its roots, building connections and mutual respect within communities.

Our legal provision : Article 8 of the Malaysian Federal Constitution

Article 8 of the Malaysian Federal Constitution ensures equality and non-discrimination. It declares that all individuals are equal before the law and entitled to equal protection, regardless of race, religion, descent, place of birth, gender, or disability.[2]

While it prohibits discrimination, Article 8 allows affirmative action under Article 153 to address socio-economic imbalances, especially for the Bumiputera community. These measures aim to promote fair development while balancing the needs of different groups. Additionally, Article 8 ensures laws are applied fairly, strengthening justice and fostering unity in Malaysia's diverse society.

Although racism runs deep, it can be overcome. Education, law reform and community efforts are meaningful steps towards a world without prejudice. To achieve this requires persistence, and the courage to challenge bias. Together, we can create a future where diversity is celebrated, equality thrives, and everyone has the opportunity to succeed.



What do you think about racism, and how can we, as individuals, contribute to fighting it? Share your perspective in the comments below.

REFERENCES

1. John F. Burns, ‘The Challenges of Corruption in Southeast Asia’ (2023) 95(1) The Political Quarterly https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1467-923X.13145

2. Refworld, ‘Federal Constitution of Malaysia 1957’ (1957) https://www.refworld.org/legal/legislation/natlegbod/1957/en/40703

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