Resident Coordinator's speech: Launch of Toolkit for Parliamentarians: Promoting Positive Narratives Against Hate Speech Towards Migrants and Refugees in Malaysia

YBhg. Tan Sri Johari Bin Abdul, Speaker, House of Representatives, Malaysia

YB Wong Chen, Member of APHR, Chair of APHR Malaysia, Member of Parliament

YB Syerleena Abdul Rashid, Member, APHR, Member of Parliament

YB Rodziah Ismail, Member of Parliament, Malaysia

YB William Yeong Jee Keen,Chairperson of the Select Committee

Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon,                                           

It is an honour to address you here at the Dewan Rakyat, as we launch an important toolkit for parliamentarians aimed to promote positive narratives and combat hate speech towards migrants and refugees in Malaysia.

This toolkit is a simple, brief, and clear instrument intended to help MPs navigate misconceptions, misperceptions, misunderstandings and promote dialogue, respect, and solidarity among different communities, fostering a culture of acceptance and diversity.

The role of parliamentarians in building inclusive and fair societies cannot be overemphasized. As political leaders elected by their constituencies, they have a paramount responsibility and undeniable ability to influence public policies and shape the discourse on human rights, tolerance, solidarity, and inclusiveness.

When individuals cast their votes, they entrust their hopes, concerns, and aspirations to those they have chosen to represent them. It is a solemn duty for elected representatives to honour this trust by diligently working towards building more inclusive and equitable societies. They also bear the responsibility of making decisions and influencing public perceptions.

This toolkit is designed as a reminder of the immense power parliamentarians hold in advocating human rights and shaping narratives that can unite society.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Migration has been an integral part of Malaysia's historical narrative for many centuries. It has enriched the nation's cuisine, arts, music, and languages, and infused the country with diverse cultures, traditions, and perspectives, creating a vibrant society and an inspiring example of harmonious coexistence.

Malaysia has embraced its diverse and multi-ethnic history as a source of its strength and unity.

Today, Malaysia is host to approximately three and a half million international migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, stateless and undocumented persons. About one person in ten is a person on the move or away from home or lacking legal identity and therefore lacking the right to a life of dignity.

The values of tolerance, respect for diversity and acceptance of different cultures, languages and religions are enshrined in Malaysia’s Federal Constitution.

In recent times, particularly at times of heightened anxiety in society, those values have been put to the test, and we have witnessed the harmful impact of hostile speech on communities, exacerbating division, fear, and prejudice.

Hostile narratives perpetuate stereotypes, stigmatize vulnerable populations, and create an environment that hinders social cohesion and inclusion.

They not only harm individuals and communities directly affected, but also have far-reaching consequences for policies and decision-making processes.

MPs can serve as role models in their constituencies by promoting a discourse of empathy and respect. They can counteract stereotypes and foster a narrative that celebrates diversity, promotes inclusion, and builds bridges across communities.

As lawmakers, they can work to enhance legal frameworks and enact effective measures against hate speech.

A recent study conducted in the context of the Dari Dapur campaign aimed to understand why and how Malaysians formed attitudes about migration and migrants yielded some interesting findings.

While confirming some level of anxiety about the cultural and other implications of migration,

• 52% of Malaysians believe migrants contribute positively to society and economy.
• 63% agree that communities are stronger when everyone is supported.
• Around 68% of Malaysians are in the 'swayable middle' and respond favorably to messages from figures they trust.

The media, the educational system, civil society groups and the political leadership all contribute to forming public opinions on migrants and refugees and other vulnerable groups.

Humanizing their experiences and recognizing their contributions to their host communities, can contribute to fostering understanding and a sense of shared responsibility.

It will take a whole-of-society effort to challenge toxic narratives and create a more welcoming environment and shape a discourse that truly reflects our shared commitment to universal values and principles.

We hope that this tool will deliver on its promise to support your efforts as members of this honourable institution.

Thank you, wa salamo alaykum.