The Foreign Ministry has responded to the United States State Department report that listed preference for ethnic Malays by the Malaysian government as among the human rights breaches in the country.

In a statement today, the Foreign Ministry said the US Department of State Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2015 - released by US Secretary of State John Kerry - was based on unsubstantiated information and relied primarily on sources whose objectivity is questionable.

“The government of Malaysia regrets that the allegations contained in the report were selectively reflected to impute disrepute on the government of Malaysia, and did not take into consideration its efforts to promote and protect human rights.

“This unwarranted report by the US was prepared in the absence of any formal engagement with government officials, despite the close bilateral relations between Malaysia and the US.”

The report, added the Foreign Ministry, had clearly reflected the US’ partial evaluation of the Malaysian government’s perspective and disregards its commitment and efforts on human rights practices in Malaysia.

“The US continues to ignore Malaysia’s sovereign right to decide on its internal affairs, which takes into account its own circumstances and the prevailing threats to its society, and its responsibility to protect national security and maintain peace and order in this country.

“Malaysia highly values its progressive and dynamic bilateral ties with the US and believes that the ties would be further strengthened with better understanding of domestic issues in Malaysia.”

Committed to fundamental freedoms

Affirming that it remains committed to ensuring the enjoyment of fundamental freedoms as guaranteed in the Federal Constitution, the Foreign Ministry said the Malaysian government will also continue to take the necessary measures for every citizen to enjoy fundamental freedoms in a manner which does not impinge on the exercise of the rights of others, or is a threat to the security and stability of the nation.

The report in question, released last week, had stated how race-based policies had contributed to a widening economic disparity within the bumiputera community.

"Ethnic Indian citizens, who similarly to ethnic Chinese citizens do not receive such privileges, remained among the country’s poorest groups," the report states.

It also named persecution of dissenters, and the jailing of PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim for sodomy in February 2015, as among the abuses.

It also notes that there is little independent monitoring of police, including in death or abuse in custody cases.

Other human rights breaches listed include:

  • Ban on religious groups, restrictions on proselytisation and freedom to change religions;

  • Detentions without trial;

  • Caning as a form of punishment;

  • Corruption among officials;

  • Violence and discrimination against women;

  • Discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community;

  • Restrictions on rights of migrants, including refugees and victims of human trafficking; and

  • Restrictions on union and collective bargaining activity.