No need for anti-racial discrimination act, existing laws sufficient: Minister

Summary

• National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang states that existing laws, including the Penal Code and Sedition Act, are sufficient to address racial issues, emphasising the need for fair and transparent enforcement.

• He stresses that laws should be enforced impartially to prevent racial tensions, rejecting the need for new legislation while ensuring that all communities are treated fairly.

• Addressing the racist corn seller case, he says the issue was resolved amicably through discussions with local leaders, highlighting the importance of community cooperation in maintaining harmony.

PARLIAMENT | There is no need for the government to create an anti-racial discrimination act because the existing legal provisions are sufficient, said National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang.

He emphasised that what is important is the fair enforcement of laws to ensure inter-ethnic relations in the country are not disrupted.

He said Malaysia already has the Penal Code, the Sedition Act of 1948, the Communications and Multimedia Act of 1998, and the Printing Presses and Publications Act of 1984 to investigate any threats that could undermine racial harmony.

"Transparent and fair enforcement, regardless of ethnic background, religion and social class, is crucial to ensure that harmony is maintained.

"Therefore, the ministry believes there is no need to draft a new act," he told the Dewan Rakyat today during the Minister's Question Time.

Aaron was responding to Lim Guan Eng (Harapan-Bagan), who asked whether an anti-racial discrimination act would be introduced to curb the rising number of racial incidents involving political leaders and individuals with extremist or racist views, including the recent case of a corn vendor in Sepang.

Corn stall sign issue resolved

Commenting on the corn seller who had placed a racist sign at his stall, Aaron said the matter had been resolved amicably.

The minister explained that the Unity Department, through local neighbourhood watch leaders and Indian community representatives, met with the vendor, who has since apologised.

"This highlights the importance of cooperation between community leaders and authorities in preserving peace and harmony.

"I want to emphasise that we must always strive to ensure that our words and actions do not cause discomfort, tension, or misunderstandings among people of different religions, cultures, and ethnic backgrounds," he said.

However, Aaron added that his ministry supports reviewing existing laws if necessary, should the government deem it essential to address any threats that could disrupt racial harmony.

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