'Fullaman', 'House Slave', 'Mongrel' and 'Dhall Belly' are among expressions the Ethnic Relations Commission is flagging in a pilot glossary aimed at discouraging ethnic insults and stereotyping.

 

The initiative was discussed on Tuesday at a stakeholder consultation on constitutional reform at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, where participants were invited to submit recommendations to the Constitutional Reform Commission.

The glossary aims to promote awareness of expressions that could fuel ethnic tensions and encourage respectful language in everyday interactions. It also lists expressions targeting race, ancestry, nationality and religion, including “Coollie”, “Buck”, “Half-breed” and “Idol Worshipper”.

 

National Committee of Sisters’ Affairs member Saudia Ferouz urged people to remove derogatory expressions from their everyday vocabulary, saying education is key to changing attitudes.

 

“We can take away these from our vocabulary and use the proper terms, and it should be taught in schools or through applications,” Ferouz said.

 

She recommended clear guidance on terms to avoid and proposed consequences for their use, arguing that education and awareness could help build more respectful communities for future generations.

 

The consultation also addressed broader proposals for constitutional change and the role of institutions in strengthening ethnic relations.

 

Commission Chairman Shaik Moeenul Hack urged participants to listen respectfully to differing views and propose practical changes, protections and institutional arrangements to address their concerns.

 

“The recommendations emerging from today’s discussion will be recorded, analysed, and consolidated by the ERC into a report for submission to the Constitutional Reform Commission before its December 31st, 2026 deadline,” Hack said.

 

The Private Sector Commission stressed the importance of strong ethnic relations to democracy and economic development.

 

Meanwhile, former Constitutional Reform Commission Chairman Ralph Ramkarran called for consideration of a Westminster-style system of government. He proposed that the current commission examine the issue and put it to voters in a referendum.