It appears that instances involving racial discrimination in the country have continued to remain prevalent, at least according to a report by NGO Pusat Komas.

Despite the introduction of the 1Malaysia concept and the formation of the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) to promote national unity, racism has instead been increasingly used to divide and rule, Pusat Komas noted in its 2016 Malaysia Racial Discrimination Report.

“Incidents of racial discrimination, racism and strained ethnic relations have increasingly surfaced over the years. This, despite the prime minister’s assurances that the country promotes moderation,” Pusat Komas programme coordinator Ryan Chua said during the launch of the report in Petaling Jaya last night.

The government, Chua noted, seemed to have reneged on some of its promises to promote national unity and social cohesion, especially since the unfolding of the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal.