Government backbencher proposes for the formation of a minorities commission

Government backbencher, P Prabakaran (PH-Batu) has proposed the formation of a minorities commission to defend the rights of the minorities and play an advisory role to the government in formulating policies.

“The minorities have continuously faced challenges. There is a lack of mechanism to overcome this, especially implied discrimination.

“There is no specific body to defend the rights of the minorities. The lack of a commission have led to many issues not being managed.

“There is also limitations in channels for those facing discrimination to lodge complains.

“Hence there is a need for a commission to recognise and defend the rights of the minorities.

“Having a commission would enable the issues to be looked into. In addition to that the commission can serve in advisory role in the process of policy making so that all can benefit,” said Prabakaran in his motion of thanks to the Agong in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Non-Muslims make up the minorities in Malaysia.

The proposal comes after the government shot down a proposal for the formation of non Muslim religious affairs ministry.

While there are no minorities commission presently, Malaysia has a national human rights commission, better known as Suhakam.