Assault on duo for fasting reinforces view bosses don’t care about rights, says Suhakam

Assault on duo for fasting reinforces view bosses don’t care about rights, says Suhakam

The commission says the Federal Constitution guarantees the freedom to practice one’s religion, and calls on everyone to foster a culture of respect and tolerance.

Two men, believed to be bodyguards, were allegedly beaten on their backs with a cane by their employer and another worker.
PETALING JAYA:
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) said today the case of a man assaulting his employees for fasting reinforces the negative perception that Malaysian employers and companies do not protect or respect workers’ rights.

In a statement, the commission said the Federal Constitution guaranteed the freedom to profess and practice one’s religion.

No one, it said, deserved to be subjected to any form of assault, insult, or humiliation for doing so.

“In this regard, employers should strive to respect and protect freedom of religion or belief, including workers’ rights to profess, practice and propagate their religious beliefs even at the workplace.”

Suhakam went on to call on employers in every sector to ensure that appropriate measures were put in place to prevent and eliminate all forms of religious intolerance, inequality and discrimination.

There was a need to foster a culture of respect, tolerance, equality and non-discrimination in society, it added.

“Everyone has a role in creating an environment that respects and embraces racial and religious diversity.”

Yesterday, two men, believed to be bodyguards, were allegedly beaten on their backs with a cane by their employer and another worker.

The incident happened at the employer’s home in Bukit Tinggi, Klang, where the victims were scolded for fasting.

Police have since arrested four individuals.

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