Drop in number of racial dispute cases

The Sun (Used by permission)

by ELLY FAZANIZA

> Increasing tolerance and maturity helped reduce discontent: Koh

KUALA LUMPUR: Cases related to racial disputes in Malaysia have dropped by 30% since 2007, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said.

According to him, 1,315 racial disputes were recorded in 2007 by the police while only 912 similar cases were reported last year.

Koh said increasing tolerance and maturity had helped reduce discontent.

“Our community continues to mature annually although there are still misunderstandings among races. At the grassroots level, the people have managed to settle their disputes without intervention from the police,” he said after officiating a seminar for accredited community mediators.

Koh said the 1Malaysia vision and spirit that have been inculcated in society also helped different races to understand one another’s culture. 

“This vision promotes values such as tolerance and respect for our community which have been embraced by everyone and practised in their daily affairs,” he said. 

In addition, Koh said the certified mediators that took part in the seminar may have contributed to the reduced number of disputes in their community.

Koh said mediation is important to resolve unresolved conflicts related to the community. “Mediation is a process which aims to resolve a conflict. This may involve two parties from the same race or different social status. The act of mediation allows conflict to be solved quickly,” he said.

“Mediation also allows problems to be solved before they are made known to the public,” he said, adding that 220 participants of the seminars have been officially certified as mediators since 2009.

“Previously, these officials and individuals resolved community matters on their own accord. They are the unsung heroes and as such, we recognise them for their efforts.”Koh admitted there are not enough mediators in the country.

“There are currently only less than 500 certified mediators registered,” he said, adding that he hopes to increase the number within the year.

“Support to help mediators act as a catalyst to resolve conflicts at the community level must be given by relevant government officials and authorities."