KUALA LUMPUR: The government has no plans to introduce a new act on religious harmony, the Dewan Rakyat heard today.
Deputy National Unity Minister Saraswathy Kandasami said existing laws were enough to ensure the relationship between all races in Malaysia was protected.
These included Subsection 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 for sedition and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for abuse of network facilities or services.
She also said the government already had Penal Code under Section 295 which refers to the offense of defiling or desecrating a place of worship to insult the religion of any group, and Sections 298 and 298A which covers the offence for hurting the religious feelings of a person.
She added that the Federal Constitution stipulated that all individuals are equal before the law and are entitled to equal and fair protection.
"Anyone who intentionally commits any act, incites, or makes any statement that will undermine racial and religious unity can be investigated and prosecuted."
Saraswathy said this in response to RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) who asked if the government planned to draft a religious harmony act to address religious polemic in the country.
She added that it was sufficient for the government to enhance the enforcement of existing laws, instead of introducing a new one.
"However, if the situation calls for it, the existing laws could be reviewed to curb certain types of speeches, statements or provocative actions that could cause division within the society," she said.