Govt says ‘no’ to new laws on discrimination, hate speech

[superadmin]

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia does not have to create new laws to counter race-based prejudice and hate speech as current legislation on these issues is sufficient, said Deputy National Unity Minister Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad.

He said this is because those who intentionally incite incidents that threaten national unity and harmony in the country can face action under a slew of acts.

Wan Fayhsal said this includes the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 on the inappropriate use of facilities and network services, and other laws that touch on criminal intimidation, creating racial disunity and disrupting public order.

Wan Fayhsal also pointed to the Sedition Act 1948, which can be used to prevent threats to national unity.

“Therefore, this ministry is of the opinion that there is no need to create new legislation such as the racial harmony law or Race Relations Act as existing laws are in line with the Keluarga Malaysia concept, which upholds national integration, harmony, understanding and stability,” he said in Dewan Rakyat this morning.

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