Racial Harmony at Stake: PAS MP Questions Anti-Racial Discrimination Law Proposal
Concerns Over Law’s Impact on Racial Harmony
A PAS MP, Ahmad Marzuk Shaary, has raised concerns over a proposed anti-racial discrimination law, warning that it could heighten racial tensions and potentially lead to a repeat of the racial riots of May 13, 1969. Marzuk, who is the MP for Pengekalan Chepa, expressed his concerns in the Dewan Rakyat, stating that the law could serve as a backdoor for the abolition of Bumiputera rights and privileges.
Challenges to the "Social Contract" and Federal Constitution
Marzuk questioned whether the proposal floated by DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng went against Malaysia’s "social contract" and the foundation of the Federal Constitution. He emphasized that the special position of the Bumiputeras, as agreed upon in the independence negotiations, was a trade-off for granting citizenship to non-Bumiputeras. While the "social contract" does not exist in the Federal Constitution, it is often used by politicians to describe the negotiations and decisions made between the Malay and non-Malay communities before independence.
Existed Laws Adequate to Tackle Racial and Religious Offences
National unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang shot down Lim’s proposal, stating that an anti-racial discrimination law was unnecessary as there were existing laws that were adequate to tackle racial and religious offences. This stance suggests that the current legal framework is sufficient to address issues related to racial and religious discrimination, without the need for a new law.
The Need for Racial Harmony
In light of the recent incident involving a hawker in Sepang, Lim proposed the enactment of an Anti-Racial Discrimination Act to prevent "extremist politicians or irresponsible individuals" from engaging in hate speech and provocative acts, or spreading lies against a particular community to divide Malaysians. This proposal aims to promote racial harmony and prevent the kind of racial unrest that could lead to a repeat of the May 13, 1969 incident.
Conclusion
The debate surrounding the proposed anti-racial discrimination law highlights the complexities of racial harmony in Malaysia. While some argue that such a law is necessary to prevent racial discrimination, others believe that it could have unintended consequences that disrupt the delicate balance of racial harmony in the country. As the nation continues to navigate these issues, it is essential to strike a balance between promoting racial harmony and protecting the rights and privileges of all communities.
FAQs
- What is the purpose of the proposed anti-racial discrimination law?
The proposed law aims to prevent racial discrimination and promote racial harmony by preventing "extremist politicians or irresponsible individuals" from engaging in hate speech and provocative acts. - What are the concerns about the proposed law?
Some argue that the law could heighten racial tensions and potentially lead to a repeat of the racial riots of May 13, 1969, and that it could serve as a backdoor for the abolition of Bumiputera rights and privileges. - Are there existing laws that can address racial and religious offences?
Yes, there are existing laws that are adequate to address racial and religious offences, according to national unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang.