‘Revive National Harmony Bill’
Ramon: Bill is vital to curb discrimination and extremism
PETALING JAYA: A call has been made to revive the National Harmony and Reconciliation Bill, which appears to have been shelved.
It was among the three Bills previously proposed in the national unity blueprint by the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC).
The other two are the National Harmony and Reconciliation Commission Bill, and the Racial and Religious Hate Crimes Bill.
Asli Centre for Public Policy Studies chairman Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam said the National Harmony and Reconciliation Bill is vital to curb discrimination and extremism and urged immediate follow-up action on the NUCC’s recommendations.
“The longer we wait, the greater the risk that discrimination could fester and poison the whole system.
“The people don’t like this and the Government must respond positively, otherwise there will be a price to pay in the coming election,” he said.
He hoped that the Government “will see fit” to take action and make it a priority to address issues such as the Muslim-only launderette incident in Muar, Johor.
Ramon, who saluted the Sultan of Johor for his stand, also said the authorities must take tougher steps to counter extremism in the country.
“Unless the authorities take tougher action, all the socioeconomic gains, the peace and harmony that we have enjoyed so far, will decline to our national detriment and a dismal future,” added Ramon, who was a member of NUCC.
On Tuesday, CIMB Group Holdings Bhd chairman Datuk Seri Nazir Razak posted a screenshot of the National Harmony and Reconciliation Bill on his Instagram account.
“What happened to this National Unity Bill? We urgently need to define and legislate the boundaries of (what is) acceptable in how we relate to each other.
“What is racist, what isn’t. What is unacceptable segregation, what isn’t. Cancer starts quite innocuously, but has to (be) confronted immediately,” he posted. His post received more than 650 likes.
Meanwhile, Kulai DAP lawmaker Teo Nie Ching said it is crucial to have an equality law or an AntiDiscrimination Act to address any form of discrimination, be it based on religion, gender or race.
She said the principle of equality is enshrined in Article 8 of the Federal Constitution.
“A proper equality law or AntiDiscrimination Act will provide a wider range of remedies for discrimination and lead to greater national consistency in anti-discrimination protection.
“This would ensure that all persons are treated with dignity and respect regardless of their religion, race, descent, place of birth or gender,” she said yesterday.