Tackling the Roots of Racism

Published on 29 Jul 2025

“This demonstrates that while ostensibly Malaysian society is one in which the three groups exist harmoniously with adequate protections in place, the reality is subtle acts of discrimination remain widespread with race-based violence being a known occurrence.”

In Tackling the Roots of Racism, William Hay explores the deep-seated racial tensions in Malaysia, tracing their origins to colonial-era social engineering and examining how current policies and economic divides perpetuate these issues. While acknowledging some progress, the essay stresses that both overt and subtle forms of racism continue to harm national unity. Hay proposes bold reforms—ranging from education system overhaul to trade union and welfare restructuring—as a way to reframe identity through shared socioeconomic experience rather than ethnicity.