Mujahid: Jail for those who insult religion and race

PETALING JAYA: With the introduction of new laws, those guilty of humiliating religion and race can face a jail sentence of up to seven years or a fine of RM100,000, said Datuk Dr Mujahid Yusuf Rawa.

The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of religious affairs was referring to the three new Bills – the AntiDiscrimination Act, National Harmony and Reconciliation Commission Act and the Religious and Racial Hatred Act, which will be tabled in Parliament soon.

These Bills are aimed at curbing the issue of racial and religious hatred in the country.

In an interview with Sin Chew Daily, Dr Mujahid said religious and racial matters are important issues.

If someone were to deliberately make remarks to incite hatred against a certain race or religion, it will have a huge impact, he said.

The new laws, he added, are able to deal with the culprit, whether he or she is a Muslim or not.

He said if everything goes smoothly, the Government will be tabling the Bills during the Parliament meeting in October. If time does not permit, these Bills will be tabled in February.

Dr Mujahid said the laws will not be simply used to charge people. These Acts will give a clear definition on religious humiliation and racial abuses.

He said only those who use social media or other channels to repeatedly humiliate religion and give racist remarks through their speeches or words, will be charged.

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

“If it is a joke during a conversation, it is not an offence. For example, during a casual conversation, if someone said you Chinese should go back, and you Malay ... I don’t think this should be punishable,” he was quoted as saying.

He said non-Muslims can give suggestions on Islam. Even though it could be harsh criticism, if it is raised in a polite and sincere way, it is not an offence. This is to differentiate between “suggestion” and humiliation.

“The new Acts are not meant to limit freedom of speech.

“Just that when someone deliberately humiliates other religions, and has caused a criminal offence, he should be subject to legal sanctions. Everyone should understand this principle as this will benefit the country. Hopefully the public will support this law,” he said.

The minister said although there are other laws that regulate actions related to religion and racial humiliation, there is no law that focuses on protecting the harmony between rakyat.

“We do have Penal Code, Sedition Act and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Act ... But the scope is too big. The new Bills aim at preserving harmony and unity,” he said.