No need for more laws to curb offensive remarks
'Anyone who intentionally commits any act, incites or issues any statements that threatens racial and religious unity, may be investigated and prosecuted (under existing laws),' he said.
He cited laws that could be enforced under the Home Ministry and the Communications Ministry, namely the Penal Code, the Communications and Multimedia Act, the Sedition Act, and the Printing Presses and Publications Act.
'The ministry is of the view that there is no need to create a new law on this,' he said during Question Time in Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
Between 2023 and July this year, Aaron said the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had identified 11,967 content that were 3R-related (religion, race and royalty).
'Out of that amount, a total of 7,673 items have been taken down,' he said .
Aaron said the prerogative to take action on 3R content would come under the Communications Ministry through the MCMC.
'While the National Unity Ministry does not have direct enforcement powers, we play an important role through a reformative approach, intervention, mediation and awareness to address sensitive issues involving religion, race and statements filled with hatred,' he added.
Aaron said his ministry was monitoring 3R statements through the National Community Complaints Network System (Rakan), where complaints would be channelled to the relevant enforcement authorities for immediate action.
Besides that, Aaron said the ministry had a Unity Issue Management Committee which covers 12 ministries and agencies to coordinate action on issues that could affect unity.
'There is also the 'Cakap Baik-Baik' campaign, which aims to educate the people to be more courteous when communicating online,' he added.
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