KUALA LUMPUR: There is no need to introduce new laws to address offensive public remarks, as current mechanisms are adequate, said National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.
According to Aaron, the authorities can enhance enforcement of existing laws under the Home Ministry, the Communications Ministry, the police, and the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
"The Ministry is of the view that there is no need to create a new law to stop insulting speeches for now.
"Anyone who intentionally commits any act, incites, or issues any statements that threaten racial and religious unity, may be investigated and prosecuted under existing laws.
"There are several laws enacted and enforced under the Home Ministry and the Communications Ministry, namely the Penal Code, the Communications and Multimedia Act, the Sedition Act, and the Printing Presses and Publications Act," he said during Question Time in Parliament on Tuesday (July 29).
Meanwhile, Aaron said that from 2023 to July this year, the MCMC identified 11,967 pieces of 3R-related content.
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"Out of that amount, a total of 7,673 pieces of 3R content have been taken down," said Aaron.
Aaron stated that the prerogative to take action on 3R content lies with the Communications Ministry through MCMC.
"While the National Unity Ministry does not have direct enforcement powers, this ministry plays an important role through a reformative approach, intervention, mediation, and awareness to address sensitive issues involving religion, race, and statements filled with hatred," he added.
Aaron said his ministry is monitoring 3R statements through the National Community Complaints Network System (Rakan), where complaints will be channelled to the relevant enforcement authorities for immediate action.
Besides that, Aaron mentioned that the ministry has a Unity Issue Management Committee covering 12 Ministries and agencies to coordinate immediate action on issues affecting unity.
"The ministry also developed a unity analysis dashboard on a digital board to identify high-risk hotspots for racial or religious tensions.
"This information is used to plan and implement targeted intervention programs in the community," he said.
Aaron also added that his ministry has implemented the "Cakap baik-baik" campaign, which aims at educating the community to be more courteous when communicating online.
According to Aaron, his ministry has successfully resolved several incidents through the reform approach, including a controversial incident in February this year where a corn seller was fined for displaying a sign insulting the Indian community.
"The issue was mediated by two Rukun Tetangga leaders, who acted as a middleman in reducing tensions," added Aaron.
In February, a corn seller was fined RM400 by the Magistrate’s Court for displaying a sign insulting the Indian community.
