PETALING JAYA: The consultation process and discussions on the National Harmony Bill are being carried out openly to allow for greater and more democratic participation.
This is to set a new way of drafting new laws by getting as much feedback as possible, said National Unity Consultative Council panel member Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah.
“We want to be more transparent and we do not want the Bill to be known to MPs only when they find it on their table in Parliament,” he told reporters after a briefing for university students organised by council here.
Asked about the statement of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak that the contents of the yet to-be-finalised Bill should not be openly discussed, Saifuddin said that would be addressed by the council chairman at a separate time.
The Prime Minister had announced that Umno would set up a committee to submit suggestions on what to be included in the National Harmony Bill.
Saifuddin said the final feedback from the council will be ready by July 23.
“The final decision will made by the Cabinet and the Attorney-General’s Chambers will draft the Bill,” he said.
He also said the clause on gender and sexual orientation might be dropped because it could hamper efforts for all-round approval of the entire Bill.
“Based on our discussions with youths, there were suggestions that harsher punishment should be imposed for incitement against the Rulers,” he said.
Saifuddin also refuted remarks that he was being manipulated by certain quarters and the Malay representatives in the council were ineffective.
“We were appointed by the Prime Minister and we will try our best to carry out our duties,” he said.
