THE government will hold discussions with relevant parties this Friday to assess existing laws and look into the need for a new law to tackle race, religion, and royalty issues.

Law and Institutional Reform Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Azalina Othman Said said the discussion, to be held at the Asian International Arbitration Centre in Kuala Lumpur, would involve, among others, the Bar, professional bodies, enforcement agencies and civil society organisations.

“We will assess existing laws (such as the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and the Sedition Act 1948). We will discuss whether they are sufficient (to deal with 3R issues) or otherwise because currently, 3R issues are investigated under a law that is more geared towards elements of criminal offences.

”Many countries now have various races and religions and they use special laws. (This is especially so in) Indonesia and Australia,” she told reporters after the Kota Raja Umno townhall session last night.

She said in other countries the matter was dealt with not only by focusing on the criminal aspect but also through counselling and education. – Bernama, July 18, 2023.