National Conference on NonDiscrimination in KK Aug 1
KOTA KINABALU: Pusat Komas, in partnership with Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) and Institute for Development Studies (IDS) Sabah, will be organising the 9th National Conference on NonDiscrimination: ‘New Malaysia: Achieving Unity in a Plural Society’ on August 1, 2019 at the Ming Garden Hotel here from 8 am to 5.35 pm.
According to its statement yesterday, this conference is the continuation of a series of annual conferences organized by Pusat Komas since 2011 as part of its campaign on non-discrimination, particularly as an effort to address racism in Malaysia.
The statement said that over the years, Komas has managed to host several prominent personalities in their field of non-discrimination and for this year, they will be hosting the Special Rapporteur on Minority Rights, Dr. Fernand de Varennes, who will be delivering a Keynote Address at the conference.
Among the Conference objectives are:
Deeper understanding of the current situation of racial politics in Malaysia by providing an open multi-stake holder platform to have constructive discussions on the best practices from both Asian and international experiences on managing a pluralistic society;
To understand the nondiscrimination principles as well as minority rights within the International Human Rights Framework;
To affirm and appreciate some of the best policies practised to uphold the rights of all and to chart an institutional reform on issues of equality and inclusivity;
To create a platform for participants from East and West Malaysia to have an exchange of constructive ideas on nondiscrimination and ways to achieve unity in a plural society.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Haji Apdal is expected to launch the 9th National Conference.
This conference intends to explore existing international standards in ensuring the rights of all are protected, especially the marginalized and minority communities. Simultaneously, understanding the role of government and its task in overcoming societal fears of the majority, will be an important objective of the conference.