Unity Ministry confirms national harmony commission will not be established

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 — The Ministry of National Unity has opted not to create the National Harmony Commission as decided by the National Unity Advisory Council at its inaugural meeting of 2026. The ministry explained its decision through a written reply published on the Parliament website, stating that it was based on two engagement sessions and the consideration of all parties' viewpoints.

The engagement sessions included civil society organisations, government agencies, academics, community leaders, and various stakeholders to evaluate the necessity, scope, implications, challenges, and feasibility of establishing the commission. Responding to a query from Dr V. Sivakumar (PH-Batu Gajah) about the status and timeline of the SKN, its proposed enforcement powers, and assurances against duplicating the functions of existing agencies in tackling discrimination and racial tensions, the ministry has opted to strengthen existing institutions.

These include the Department of National Unity and Integration, neighbourhood watch areas, and community mediators, as the primary agencies responsible for maintaining social harmony. The ministry believes this approach is practical, responsive, and cost-effective, avoiding duplication of existing agencies' roles and the associated costs.

The ministry will utilize existing structures, networks, and mechanisms such as the Department of National Unity and Integration's neighbourhood watch areas, community mediators, the Community Sensitive Issues Reference Centre, the e-Sepakat system, the National Public Community Complaints Network, and unity officers at state and district levels.