Freedom

Malaysia Freedom Summit 2020

The political turmoil of the country never stopped even though the Covid-19 pandemic crisis threatened the economic situation of the country and society. In the Main Forum: “The State of Freedom in Malaysia”, the discussion is about performance of governance and freedom in Malaysia which includes civil and political rights, education, employment and economy in the face of a better national direction.

The whole world is going through a precarious time whether in the economic, social or political context following the spread of the COVID 19. The questions now is, is Malaysia going through a phase of democratic instability? What is meant by the stability of democracy at the local and regional levels? The First Forum: Stabilizing Democracy in Malaysia will discuss the stability of democracy and the important components of parliamentary democracy.

The Covid-19 pandemic issue highlights various gaps and weaknesses in our education system such as digital technology access gaps and poverty issues experienced by students among B40s living in poverty. Thus, the issue of educational inequality is an urgent problem to be discussed and given attention. The Second Forum: How to Overcome Inequality in Education?

Forum 3: Post-Pandemic Priorities

The economy was the main issue when the pandemic crisis hit. Many sectors of the economy are affected so that some have to go bankrupt or suffer losses. The same goes for workers who may lose their livelihoods and have their salaries deducted. In the uncertainty of the pandemic situation, the country is still struggling to revive the country's economy. Thus, this discussion will pay attention to post-pandemic priorities in ensuring the economy recovers.

Forum 4: Different Religions, Living Together

Although Malaysia is often known as a multi-racial country but racial and religious polemics often occur. Therefore, this forum will try to unravel the root causes of the problem in an effort to bridge the racial and religious gap in Malaysia

Closing Remarks: Protecting Freedom, Facing Crisis

By YBhg. Prof. Dr. Jomo Kwame Sundaram, Khazanah Research Institute Research Advisor.