KITA PUBLIC FORUM ON RACE RELATIONS: THE BRITISH EXPERIENCE

UKM Institute of Ethnic Studies (KITA) is hosting a Public Forum
on June 16, 2009
from 3pm to 5.30pm
at the Auditorium, Malaysian Integrity Institute, Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur.

In our increasingly globalised world, different models of how societies have made adjustments and accommodations to adopt multi cultural and religious dimensions in day to day living have evolved. Success stories abound, with accommodations and adjustments, but there have also been conflicts and tensions. These have tremendous implications for community cohesion and long term sustainability of modern societies.

There are also public policy implications pertaining to ethnic relations which no politician or government official can ignore. In a similar way private sector and business communities are also seriously paying attention to the potential of multi cultural aspects for economic implications. Likewise civil society actors have realized the tremendous potential and dynamics of multi cultural issues and concerns.

There is therefore an urgent need for us in Malaysia to study the different models of multi cultural societies around the world. This will enable us to understand their history, their struggles and achievements, their policies and programs in fostering greater understanding and appreciation.

It is in this context of understanding ethnic relations in other countries that the UKM Institute of Ethnic Studies (KITA) has co-organized this First KITA Public Forum on Race Relations: The British Experience, with some of our partners.

The objective is to provide a critical analysis on race relations in the British context and understand their struggles, challenges and achievements. In so doing, we in Malaysia can draw some parallel lessons which might be useful for us in the Malaysian context.

We have invited a prominent person Prof Aneez Esmail who will deliver a special lecture on this theme. He is Professor of General Practice and the Associate Vice-President for Equality and Diversity at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom.

Prof Aneez’s family was expelled from Uganda where he was born, during the time of Idi Amin in 1972, on racial grounds. Together with his family they came to Britain as refugees. During his student years he became active in the anti-racist struggle especially in exposing racial discrimination in the medical profession.

Prof Aneez’s commitment and determination in fighting racism and championing equality continues through his professional capacity as a professor in one of the top universities in the UK. His role as Vice President for Equality and Diversity is to oversee the programme for increased participation in higher education from the lower social groups.

KITA has received encouraging support from
Department for National Unity & Integration,
Prime Minister's Department, Government of Malaysia,
The British High Commission in Malaysia,
Juken Consultancy Sdn Bhd.,
Malaysian Bar Council,
Centre for Public Policy Studies, ASLI,
The Kuala Lumpur Malay Chamber of Commerce,
The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry of Malaysia,
Sri Murgan Centre (SMC)
Malaysian Medical Association (MMA).

These organizations are organizing partners of this Public Forum with KITA.

We really hope that you will take time to be with us at this KITA Public Forum. There is no registration fee. However, please confirm your participation by June 12, 2009 as there are limited seats by calling KITA at 03 8921 4641 or fax at 03 8921 5641 or email sue@ukm.my