Unity Ministry confirms national harmony commission will not be established

In a written reply published on the Parliament website, the ministry said the decision followed two engagement sessions and considered the views of all parties. — Bernama file pic

First Published: Wednesday, 07 Oct 2026 9:44 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 —The Ministry of National Unity (KPN) has decided against establishing the National Harmony Commission (SKN), following a decision by the National Unity Advisory Council at its first meeting of 2026.

In a written reply published on the Parliament website, the ministry said the decision followed two engagement sessions and considered the views of all parties.

“The engagement sessions involved civil society organisations, government agencies, academics, community leaders and various stakeholders to assess the need for, scope and implications of establishing the commission, as well as the challenges and feasibility involved,” the ministry said.

It was responding to a question from Dr V. Sivakumar (PH-Batu Gajah), who asked about the status and timeline for establishing SKN, its proposed enforcement powers, and assurances that it would not duplicate the roles of existing agencies in addressing discrimination and racial tensions.

As such, the ministry will focus on strengthening existing institutions, namely the Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN), neighbourhood watch area (KRT) communities and community mediators, as the lead agencies for managing social harmony, in what it sees as a practical, responsive and cost-effective approach.

It also said the decision will avoid duplicating existing agencies’ functions and the costs of setting up a new entity.

At the same time, the ministry can leverage the existing structures, networks and mechanisms developed by JPNIN through KRTs, community mediators, the Community Sensitive Issues Reference Centre (PRISMA), the e-Sepakat system (for managing unity issues), the National Public Community Complaints Network (RAKAN), and its network of unity officers at state and district levels. — Bernama