Invitation to attend forum on “Institutionalized Racism in Malaysia”
Forum venue: Upstairs meeting room of The KL and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall
Date: 17th of January 2012, 7.30 pm.
The speakers are:
1) Mr.N.Ganesan, National Advisor to Hindraf
2) Dr. Kua Kia Soong, Director Suaram
3) Dr Azmi Sharom, Academic
Chair by: Dr. Lim Teck Ghee, Director of Centre for Policy Initiatives
Racism in Malaysia is developing into a subtle, pervasive and increasingly aggressive form. What started as a defensive affirmative action program is now fast degenerating into aggressive form of institutionalized racism. This is sapping the potential of Malaysian society. The future on this trajectory is disastrous for all Malaysians. It will bring ruin.
The political, legal and administrative structures of our country – the anchors and sources of the institutionalization need to be fundamentally revamped. For this to happen, the public view of what is truly happening must become sharper. This is not an easy task – given the resources at hand for the beneficiaries of this racist system. Public opinion must first be aligned with this developing reality, before any change can happen. With the kaleidoscope with which we all view Malaysia the perceived reality now, is not disturbing enough to galvanize people to action. This needs to be addressed.
HINDRAF and CRC are taking upon themselves to educate the public to address the needed paradigm shift. Together we embark on the first of a series of forums to highlight and educate about the structures and processes that entrench racism into our system, the impact to the nation and to the future of the nation if this is all left unchecked. And also to inform of some early stage activities in this respect.
This is the first time this topic is being broached in a public forum. We wish to push this topic into the foreground of political discourse in our country – in its barest from. This is part of the campaign of HINDRAF and Civil Rights Committee of KLSCAH to bring an end to racism in the country. We have been browbeaten to accept the status quo of this racist regime – but it only continues to reduce us as a people and as a nation. It is time we stood up and said no to institutional racism and begin the process of change.
We have an interesting evening planned at the forum. We invite all concerned Malaysians to attend this forum. At the forum besides what the panel of speakers plan to share, we also look forward to tapping the wisdom of the participants in the form of thoughts about attaining a racism free just and equal Malaysia.
Should you have further enquiry, please do not hesitate to contact the assistant secretary of the KLSCAH, Mr. Chia at 03-2274 6645.
