KUALA LUMPUR: There are no plans to table laws to regulate race relations, says Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique (pic).

       "We have no plans to enact such laws. This is because we have present laws which will be used as they cover all aspects," the National Unity Minister said when wrapping up her ministerial replies on Budget 2022 in Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Nov 17).

       She was responding to a question raised by M. Kulasegaran (PH-Ipoh Barat), who wanted to know if a proposed Race Relations draft Bill would be brought to Cabinet for consideration.

       Meanwhile, on a separate issue, Halimah said there were no plans by the government to implement campaigns to ensure that the national flag displayed at buildings were in good condition.

       "This is not solely the responsibility of the government, but all good citizens of this country," she said.

       She was responding to a suggestion by M. Karupaiya (PH-Padang Serai) that the government ensured that national flags displayed at government and private buildings were in good condition.

       "Some of the flags are tattered and torn and it is shameful if seen by foreign visitors to the country," he said.

       Earlier in Dewan Rakyat, Deputy National Unity Minister Senator Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad also told P. Prabakaran (Batu-PH) that there were sufficient laws to deal with those who intentionally incite and threaten national unity and harmony.

       Among the laws, he said included the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 with regard to those abusing online facilities and network services to cause racial discord and threaten public order.

       He added that action could also be taken under the Sedition Act 1948 to prevent threats to national unity.

       "As such, the ministry is of the opinion that there is no need to create a new racial harmony law or Race Relations Act as existing laws are in line with the Keluarga Malaysia concept to uphold national integration, harmony, understanding and stability," he said.

       Prabakaran wanted to know if there were plans to introduce new laws that were "fair" and "just" for all races in the country's multiracial society.