ACTS GOVERNING RACE RELATIONS MAY BE AMENDED

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- The government may introduce new
provisions or amend existing acts in an effort to avoid racial misunderstanding,
the Lower House of Parliament was told Tuesday.

Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry deputy minister Teng Boon Soon
said the Cabinet felt that there was no need for the government to introduce a
new act governing race relations.

This was decided by the Cabinet after studying a report on the need to
promulgate a new act on race relations tabled by the ministry recently, he said
when responding to a question from Member of Parliament Fong Po Kuan.

Teng said the provisions or amendments may be incorporated in existing acts
like the Internal Security Act, the Sedition Act 1948, and the Printing Presses
and Publications Act 1984.

"In reality, the people do not feel race relations is at the lowest ebb. The
people can still interact and work together in various fields without any
qualm," said Teng.

He said other measures which should be taken include avoiding racial
misunderstanding by inculcating harmony and racial tolerance through the
education system and promoting the Rukun Negara principles.

The media, non-government organisations (NGOs) and leaders should play their
roles in enhancing unity, he added.

Teng called on political leaders and NGO activists not to stoke racial
hatred by making sensitive statements on religious and language issues.
-- BERNAMA