KUALA LUMPUR – There is no need to introduce stiffer punishment for offences relating to racial and religious insults, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Mohamed Said told the Dewan Rakyat today.
He said provisions under the Penal Code, Sedition Act 1948, and Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 are sufficient to address matters pertaining to race and religion.
“At the moment, the Home Ministry feels that existing laws are enough to act as a deterrent against trivialising sensitive issues such as race and religion.
“However, the ministry will review the laws from time to time if there is a need for improvement.”
The Kuala Krau MP from Barisan Nasional was replying to a question from Ramli Mohd Nor (BN-Cameron Highlands) on whether the government has plans to amend existing laws or regulations to provide heavier punishment for those who insult other races and religions, or play up such issues for their own interest.
The deputy minister said police are continuously monitoring the dissemination of information that may touch on racial and religious sensitivities.
“This is important as such issues may disrupt public order and harmony if we don’t act on them.”
To a supplementary question, he said: “The Home Ministry always listens to the opinions of others and will take the necessary action to review if there is ever a need to amend our existing laws.” – The Vibes, November 18, 2020
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