Latest news with #Aaron
The Star
16 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
No need for more laws to curb offensive remarks
KUALA LUMPUR: There is no need to introduce new laws to address those who utter offensive remarks in public, as there are enough mechanisms at present to deal with such cases, says National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang (pic). '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.
Chicago Tribune
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Lincolnwood Fest draws thousands to Proesel Park, also includes a dunk tank charitable fundraiser
The village of Lincolnwood's signature summer community festival saw crowds estimated in the tens of thousands over the course of its four-day run at Proesel Park, featuring carnival rides, live music and more. 'Lincolnwood Fest is a celebration and vibrant gathering that brings our community together and attracts visitors from all over Chicagoland,' said Karen Hawk, the village's director of Parks and Recreation. She said the fest, which started July 24 and ran through Sunday, showcased local and regional talent on the main stage, and was a venue for kids and families, and favorable food options. Amid soaring summertime air temperatures, a dunk tank featured on Saturday and Sunday helped to raise funds for the Lincolnwood Student Achievers Scholarship Program that recognizes Illinois Scholars, Hawk explained. Lincolnwood Fest is a summer tradition for many families, including for Jason Welch, of the Uptown neighborhood in Chicago, who accompanied his son Aaron, 5. Father and son rode the Ferris wheel while Aaron held a neon kaleidoscope bouncy ball the youngster won after playing a basketball hoops game. 'This is our first year coming out here and it's been a blast,' Welch said about making memories. The event premises were surrounded by temporary fencing and also monitored by Lincolnwood police. The entrance gate was also staffed by security personnel. Jesse Perez and Nereida Mendez, of Lincolnwood, visited the carnival rides and fairgrounds with their children Janiah, 11, Mia, 7, and Ethan, 3. 'I do feel safe here, it's a good environment,' Mendez said. 'It's important to make memories.'
Bangkok Post
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Bangkok Post
Art event at riverside hotel
Art event organiser Mango Art Festival will host the 'Urban Collectibles 2025" at The StandardX, Bangkok Phra Arthit, transforming the new riverside hotel on Phra Arthit Road into an expansive art space from Aug 1-3. The art takeover starts from the first floor, where visitors can find various booths at the outdoor craft zone. Rooms No. 201-205 and No. 301-320 will be turned into mini galleries where artworks will be on display on beds and other furniture. DJs Aaron, Tawan, MayT will deliver groovy tunes throughout the event. This art-in-hotel event gathers an eclectic mix of original artworks, prints, artist collectables and limited-edition art toys from 100 local and international artists, as well as art collectors. Entrance is free on Aug 1 from 5-9pm and from noon-9pm on Aug 2-3. There's a complimentary shuttle service from Sanam Luang parking area. By Chao Phraya Express Boat, get off at the Phra Arthit pier.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Laws adequate to check offensive speech, says Aaron
KUALA LUMPUR: There is no need to introduce new laws to restrict public offensive remarks, says National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang. Aaron said it was sufficient to enhance enforcement of existing laws under the Home Ministry, the Communications Ministry, the police, and the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). "The ministry is of the view that there is no need to enact or introduce new laws to restrict offensive speech at this time, and that it is sufficient to strengthen the enforcement of existing laws by the Home Ministry, the Communications Ministry, the police, and MCMC. "Anyone who deliberately commits an act, provokes, or makes any statement that threatens racial or religious unity can be investigated and prosecuted. "Several Acts have already been enacted and enforced under the Home Ministry and the Ministry of Communications, including the Penal Code, the Communications and Multimedia Act, the Sedition Act, and the Printing Presses and Publications Act," he said in the Dewan Rakyat. He was responding to Muhammad Ismi Mat Taib (PN-Parit), who asked about the ministry's efforts to address racial sentiments and religious extremism on social media, as well as monitoring outcomes for the first half of 2025. Aaron said monitoring and enforcement of issues involving religion, royalty and race (commonly referred to as 3R issues) on social media fall under the jurisdiction of the MCMC. He said from 2023 to July 2025, MCMC had reportedly removed 11,967 pieces of 3R-related content, where 7,673 pieces of content were successfully taken down by platform providers. He said that although the ministry does not have direct enforcement power, it plays a key role through a reformative approach involving intervention, mediation and awareness to address sensitive issues related to religion, race, and hate speech. Aaron said his ministry was monitoring 3R statements through the National Community Complaints Network System (Rakan), where complaints will be channelled to the relevant enforcement authorities for immediate action. He added that the ministry has a Unity Issue Management Committee covering 12 Ministries and agencies to coordinate immediate action on issues affecting unity. "The ministry also developed a unity analysis dashboard on a digital board to identify high-risk hotspots for racial or religious tensions. "This information is used to plan and implement targeted intervention programs in the community," he said. Aaron also added that they had implemented the "Cakap baik-baik" campaign, which aims at educating the community to be more courteous when communicating online. He said the ministry had also successfully resolved several incidents through the reform approach, including a controversial incident in February this year where a corn seller was fined for displaying a sign insulting the Indian community. "The issue was mediated by two Rukun Tetangga leaders, who acted as middlemen in reducing tensions," added Aaron.
The Star
a day ago
- Politics
- The Star
Existing laws sufficient to tackle offensive remarks, Aaron tells Parliament
KUALA LUMPUR: There is no need to introduce new laws to address offensive public remarks, as current mechanisms are adequate, said National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang. According to Aaron, the authorities can enhance enforcement of existing laws under the Home Ministry, the Communications Ministry, the police, and the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). "The Ministry is of the view that there is no need to create a new law to stop insulting speeches for now. "Anyone who intentionally commits any act, incites, or issues any statements that threaten racial and religious unity, may be investigated and prosecuted under existing laws. "There are several laws enacted and 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," he said during Question Time in Parliament on Tuesday (July 29). Meanwhile, Aaron said that from 2023 to July this year, the MCMC identified 11,967 pieces of 3R-related content. "Out of that amount, a total of 7,673 pieces of 3R content have been taken down," said Aaron. Aaron stated that the prerogative to take action on 3R content lies with the Communications Ministry through MCMC. "While the National Unity Ministry does not have direct enforcement powers, this ministry plays 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 is monitoring 3R statements through the National Community Complaints Network System (Rakan), where complaints will be channelled to the relevant enforcement authorities for immediate action. Besides that, Aaron mentioned that the ministry has a Unity Issue Management Committee covering 12 Ministries and agencies to coordinate immediate action on issues affecting unity. "The ministry also developed a unity analysis dashboard on a digital board to identify high-risk hotspots for racial or religious tensions. "This information is used to plan and implement targeted intervention programs in the community," he said. Aaron also added that his ministry has implemented the "Cakap baik-baik" campaign, which aims at educating the community to be more courteous when communicating online. According to Aaron, his ministry has successfully resolved several incidents through the reform approach, including a controversial incident in February this year where a corn seller was fined for displaying a sign insulting the Indian community. "The issue was mediated by two Rukun Tetangga leaders, who acted as a middleman in reducing tensions," added Aaron. In February, a corn seller was fined RM400 by the Magistrate's Court for displaying a sign insulting the Indian community.
