THE government is mulling punitive action on those who play up 3R (religion, royalty and race) sentiments, Law and Institutional Reform Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Azalina Othman Said said.

She said the new Act, which may be called the “State and Nation Act” was like the Maintenance of Racial Harmony Act in Singapore, but in the Malaysian context.

At present, she said any offence involving the issue was investigated under the Sedition Act 1848, whereby the Act was more geared towards elements of criminal offences, resulting in a longer prosecuting time due to legal procedures.

“So, I said maybe we need to evaluate it in the element of positivity… such an act that is proposed is punitive.

“It means that if one violates it, he or she will be fined. That is easier to solve or convict,” she told reporters after appearing as a guest on the “Malaysia Di Ambang PRN 2023” forum at Menara Dato Onn in Kuala Lumpur last night.

Azalina said the proposed new Act was presented to the cabinet yesterday and received a positive response.

She said the challenge faced at the moment is when social media is used to play up 3R sentiments, it can be denied and there is no solid evidence to prove it.

She said the existence of the new Act was a solution to the issue, which has become more and more prevalent in the country in recent years, and would ensure the needs of the future generation are better met. – Bernama, July 13, 2023.