STATEMENT BY
MR. MOHAMMAD AL HAFIZ BIN MOHD NADZIR
DELEGATE
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
ON AGENDA ITEM 68(a,b): RACISM
THIRD COMMITTEE OF
THE 74TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Mr. Chair,
1. Multiculturalism and diversity are central features of Malaysia’s identity. As such, we firmly believe it is essential to respect differing opinions and embrace diversity in our society. At the same time, we also believe that it is imperative to have appropriate laws and regulations to ensure that public speeches and expressions of opinions do not transgress societal norms, incite hate or threaten the country’s peace and stability.
2. Malaysia strongly condemns and rejects hate speech in all its forms and manifestation, including dissemination of ideas that promote racism, racial discrimination, discrimination through xenophobia, and other acts of intolerance that are against the very tenets of human equality.
3. In this regard, Malaysia recognizes the critical role of education in preventing and eradicating racism, especially among young people. We have been and will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders in the efforts to combating racism, including through interfaith dialogue with religious groups and communities. We also believe that this engagement will foster our understanding of and respect for other religious systems and institutions, and promote capacity-building and social cohesion.
Mr. Chair,
4. Malaysia will also continue to participate actively in UN-sponsored dialogues on faiths and cultures. Since 2010, we have been observing and celebrating the international inter-religious and inter-cultural harmony celebrations as declared by the UN, such as World Interfaith Harmony Week, International Day for Peace and International Day for Tolerance. Malaysia also welcomes the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech that was launched in June this year. We stand ready to assist the relevant UN agencies, where appropriate, in advocating this Plan of Action.
Mr. Chair,
5. It is no doubt that the acceptance of diversity is the key to peaceful coexistence. We need this more than ever. The growing trend of xenophobia, racism, and intolerance, particularly Islamophobia, is worrying. In this regard, we call upon the international community to celebrate diversity and come together despite our differences in faiths and religions. Malaysia stands ready to share its successful experience in maintaining its stability and harmony in the country.
Thank you Mr. Chair.
