A newly appointed People of Australia Ambassador has backed claims by world renowned brain surgeon Dr Charles Teo that racism is still 'very much alive in Australia'.
Fayia Lahai was one of the 40 people chosen who will be able to provide advice to government and the Australian Multicultural Council.
He arrived in Tasmania in 2006, as a refugee from Sierra Leone in west Africa.
His comments come after prominent neurosurgeon Doctor Charlie Teo announced he will use his Australia Day speech to address the issue of racism.
Fayia Lahai told SBS racism is 'like a disease' that needs to be treated.
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Dr Teo, who is the son of Chinese migrants, says an Indian colleague and his daughter have suffered racist abuse.
Dr Teo told News Ltd that claims there was no racism in Australia were "bulls**t".
"I don't quite like it when I hear politicians reassuring the Indians there's no racism in Australia. That's bulls**t," Dr Teo, the son of Chinese immigrants, said.
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