KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 — A survey found that Malaysians are split over how they feel about the current government’s initiatives to tackle discrimination.

About 45 per cent of Malaysians surveyed said that were very satisfied or slightly satisfied while 40 per cent said they were slightly dissatisfied or not satisfied at all, according to non-profit organisation (NGO) Architects of Diversity’s (AOD) State of Discrimination Survey 2023.

Respondents suggested the creation of a law for discrimination and raising awareness when asked for suggestions on what the government can do to combat the issue.

However, Kluang MP Wong Shu Qi who was also present at the report launch said that the creation of an anti-discrimination law would be ineffective and suggested the building of relationships instead.

"I think that discrimination literacy must be improved but first things first — can we be kinder to each other?” she said.

She said that regulation by law would be a last resort in a healthy society and that disputes should be resolved through reasonable discussion.

The survey also found that discrimination literacy and agreement are generally low.

"For instance, less than half (49 per cent) of respondents felt that being forced to not wear religious clothing at work is considered discrimination, while 37 per cent felt it was not considered discrimination,” the report said.

AOD said that the survey aims to provide a baseline study on the quantitative nature of discrimination in Malaysia relating to various identities, including religion and race.

The survey received 3,238 responses from Malaysian adults aged 18 and above.

Consistency based on the Population and Housing Census of Malaysia 2020 was ensured in terms of race, age, gender and state.