Low Yat brawl proves need for Harmony Act: Kurup

Kuala Lumpur: The recent brawl at Low Yat Plaza is a clear indication that a specific law governing racial and religious hatred is a necessary addition to Malaysia's law books, unity Minister Tan Sri Joseph Kurup said Tuesday. The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department said the new Act, which was previously shelved along with plans to repeal the Sedition Act, would help preserve harmony among the country's many ethnic communities.

Kurup also revealed that plans to enact the law are still in the pipeline, and said a National Harmony Bill is currently in the "discussion and engagement process".

"This new Bill will give focus to several important elements like prevention, education, moderation, harmony and rehabilitation," he said in his speech during a walkabout at the tech mall Tuesday morning.

"If we let this situation persist, the intolerance habit will start growing. This can potentially disrupt the peace, harmony, religious tolerance and political stability that we have been enjoying so far," the Minister added.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Sabah revenue hits RM6.97 billion: Hajiji says GRS State Government may see full term

Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government continued its momentum in managing the economy in line with the commitment and spirit of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) when it posted record high state revenue of RM6.973 billion last year.

Kurup explained that Putrajaya hopes to table the Bill in the next Parliament session and that it will stand on its own unlike previously when it was mooted as one part of a proposed law to replace the Sedition Act,

The Sedition Act is entirely on it its own, it is a punitive law. This (National Harmony Act) is an entirely new bill," he told reporters after his speech Tuesday.

Kurup added that his ministry is conducting the necessary research for the Bill, including engaging with NGOs in Sabah and Sarawak.

The Pensiangan MP also warned the public to not resort to violence to resolve issues like what happened with the Low Yat incident, saying it would only be disruptive.

The Low Yat incident was an isolated case but when it was sensationalised it sparked anger among the people.

"This is what happens when we let our emotions control us. We should never turn to violence as a solution to an issue," Kurup said.

Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.

Daily Express Malaysia

The trio of proposed laws under the ambit of the National Harmony Bill were drafted as possible replacements for the Sedition Act that Putrajaya previously pledged to repeal, but which it later decided to retain and reinforce.

The July 12 riot at Low Yat Plaza occurred after a 22-year-old man was reportedly handed to the police for allegedly stealing a mobile phone, after which his accomplice contacted their friends who then assaulted workers from a mobile phone store and caused an estimated RM70,000 in damage. The incident that left five people hurt caused some observers to draw parallels with the deadly race riots of May 13, 1969.

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00