The government is still seeking and considering views from stakeholders on the National Harmony Bill and the Sedition Act, said Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar.

He said is it premature for the government to reject any views on the issues now, but it would listen and then discuss its next move - whether they should be retained, amended, or replaced.

The BN Youth chief (left) said this when asked to comment on Pertubuhan Pembela-Pembela Islam’s (Pembela) urging the Sedition Act to be retained with some improvements, and for three new bills to be reviewed before being tabled in parliament.

“We may not agree with them, but there is nothing wrong with NGOs giving their views about the proposed National Harmony Act and what we do with the Sedition Act.

“What is important is that we listen to every viewpoint before we make a decision,” Khairy said, adding that this is part of a process of consultation.

The three bills are the National Harmony Bill, the National Unity Bill, and the National Unity and Integration Commission Bill.

Together, the proposed laws stipulate jail sentences and fines for bigotry, as well as for “hatred and contempt” towards the monarch.

For example, offences under the National Unity Bill include espousing propaganda or ideas promoting “racial superiority” or “exclusivity based on religion, belief, race, descent or place of birth”.

The laws will be enforced by a tribunal empowered by the National Unity and Integration Commission Bill.