Govt scraps national harmony commission plan

The Malaysian government has abandoned plans to establish the National Harmony Commission (SKN), Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang announced. Aaron stated that the ministry would instead concentrate on bolstering existing institutions, such as the National Unity and Integration Department, Rukun Tetangga, and community mediators, as primary entities for managing social harmony.

The decision was reached following two engagement sessions involving civil society organizations, government agencies, academics, community leaders, and other stakeholders to evaluate the necessity, scope, implications, challenges, and feasibility of creating the commission. After considering all perspectives and further deliberations, the ministry concluded that establishing SKN as a separate entity was not warranted.

This decision was made during the first 2026 meeting of the National Unity Advisory Council (MPPN) and avoids duplication of functions and costs associated with establishing a new entity, instead utilizing existing structures, networks, and instruments developed by JPNIN. The announcement came in response to a query from Dr V. Sivakumar (PH-Batu Gajah) regarding the status and timeline for the commission's establishment, its proposed enforcement powers, and assurances that it would not infringe upon existing agencies tackling discrimination and racial tensions.

The government had revived the plan in April, with the National Unity Ministry endorsing a renewed proposal due to rising concerns about unity-related issues. This initiative was inspired by the proposal of activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye and built upon earlier endeavors starting in 2015, when the National Unity Advisory Council drafted three bills on racial and religious hatred offenses, national harmony, reconciliation, and the creation of a commission.

However, in 2019, the government rejected two of the bills owing to overlaps with existing statutes and constitutional provisions, notably Article 8 of the Federal Constitution on non-discrimination.