KUALA LUMPUR – Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid has urged the government to introduce specific legislation aimed at banning racial discrimination in the housing rental sector, in line with Malaysia’s commitment to unity and the values of a civil society.
Speaking during the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) in the Dewan Rakyat today, she expressed concern over the continued use of discriminatory phrases in rental advertisements, such as “Malay only,” “Chinese only,” or “Indians not allowed.”
She warned that such practices reflect the widespread reality of racial prejudice in the country.
“How can we talk about meritocracy if the right to housing is still determined by skin colour? A Malay graduate might be rejected because they’re not Chinese, and an Indian woman could be overlooked simply because of her name,” she said.
Citing research from the Architects of Diversity organisation, Syerleena revealed that 68% of Malaysians — the majority of whom are young people — support the creation of laws specifically designed to outlaw racial discrimination in rental housing.
“This shows that the younger generation is not just calling for empty promises of unity; they demand real structural changes,” she added.
Syerleena emphasized that this proposed law would not limit landlords’ rights but would instead establish ethical guidelines to ensure fair access to housing for all Malaysians.
“This is not about restricting landlords’ freedoms, but about setting guidelines that reflect the values of fairness and equality in our multi-ethnic society,” she explained.
She also highlighted that the rising cost of living and economic uncertainty have made renting a more viable option for young people, as homeownership becomes increasingly out of reach.
In light of this, she suggested that the Residential Tenancy Act be reviewed and strengthened to better protect tenants from discrimination and to foster a fair and professional relationship between landlords and tenants.
“The youth today are calling for structural change, not just rhetoric about unity. If we truly want to build an inclusive society, this is a crucial step we must take,” Syerleena said. – August 6, 2025