Hate instigators face up to 7 years' jail under new Bills

PETALING JAYA: Instigators of racial and religious hate could face a jail sentence of up to seven years or a fine of RM100,000 under three new Bills which will be tabled in Parliament soon, said Datuk Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa.

The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department was referring to the AntiDiscrimination Act, the National Harmony and Reconciliation Commission Act and the Religious and Racial Hatred Act.

All three laws are aimed at curbing racial and religious hate in the country.

In an interview with Sin Chew Daily yesterday, Dr Mujahid said that the government is aiming to table these three Bills during the Parliamentary session in October.

If that is not possible, Dr Mujahid said the three Bills will be tabled in February next year.

Dr Mujahid added that these laws will not be abused by the authorities.

“We will have a strict and precise definition. If you deliberately and repeatedly destroy the harmony of society, cause harm to people, buildings and others, this is considered as an offence,” he explained.

The Parit Buntar MP maintained that only those who propagate racial and religious hate speeches or remarks on social media or other channels, will be charged under the three Bills.

“If it is a joke during a conversation, it is not an offence. For example, during a casual conversation, someone said you Chinese should go back, and you Malay, I don't think this should be punished,” the Parti Amanah Negara vice-president was quoted as saying.