Thursday September 18, 2008 MYT 8:24:34 PM
Cabinet gives nod to race relations act (updated)
By V.P. SUJATA
PUTRAJAYA: The proposed Race Relations Act has been approved by the Cabinet, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar.
He said various issues have to be discussed and proposals studied before the Act can be drafted and tabled in Parliament.
He added that the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry and the Home Ministry would work together on collecting the necessary information.
Speaking to reporters after addressing ministry staff at a monthly gathering here on Thursday, Syed Hamid said both ministries would also have to collect input from non-governmental organisations and individuals on the contents and scope of the Act.
The Act would stand alone and include provisions on punitive action while using the Federal Constitution as the guideline, Syed Hamid said.
It will not focus on punishment alone but also also on helping build and strengthen race relations.
“We need to give priority to our diverse cultures and the sensitivity of each race in order to create an ideal environment to live in,” he said, adding that the two ministries may refer to similar legislation in other countries.
The United Kingdom had had such an Act for many years, while some other European countries were also working on something similar as they become more multiracial.
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