The National Harmony Bill is still under discussion as the government is studying its necessity, said Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Najib said this in a written reply to Kota Melaka MP Sim Tong Him, who had asked on the current situation of the bill, and whether it was scrapped after amendments were made to the Sedition Act.

“If the government decides to enact the National Harmony Act, it will be more of a preventive measure before it leads to the enforcement of the Sedition Act,” he said.

Najib added that the Act was aimed to cultivate a society that prioritises national unity and prevent things which could harm national solidarity.

The National Harmony Bill was to replace the pre-colonial Sedition Act, which many have described as  draconian in nature.

Nevertheless, Najib, who had in 2012 said that the Sedition Act will be repealed, made a U-turn when he announced at the Umno general assembly ( photo ) last year that it would instead be strengthened.

Amendments to the Sedition Act were passed by Parliament after a gruelling 12-hour debate in April.

Hatred on grounds of religion

Among the new provisions, promoting ill-will or hatred on grounds of religion is now a seditious offence.

Meanwhile, Najib said to date, various initiatives have, and still are, being made to obtain inputs and views from stakeholders in relation to the enactment of the National Harmony Act.

This has been made possible through forums and seminars, as well as roundtable discussions with government agencies, NGOs, professionals and religious bodies.

The National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) was tasked to draft the bill and NUCC member Saifuddin Abdullah was quoted as saying by The Star last year that the council would not be scrapped as its functions extended beyond drafting the National Harmony Bill.