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Free Malaysia Today
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Selangor speaker urges govt to expedite drafting of National Harmony Act
Selangor speaker Lau Weng San (fourth from left, top) said the government must harmonise the drafting of the National Harmony Act with the Federal Constitution. SUNGAI BULOH : The government should expedite drafting the National Harmony Act, following calls from the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) for a legislative framework to tackle hate speech and discrimination, says Selangor speaker Lau Weng San. 'I have been informed that the national unity ministry has begun the drafting process. 'I support Suhakam's calls for this act. We need to harmonise it with the current laws in the Federal Constitution. This is much needed to curb hate speech. 'We also need to table a bill to set up a national harmony commission that will have the legal power to enforce laws and punish those who threaten national harmony but without going against the right to freedom of speech,' he said. Lau said this at an event commemorating the 56th anniversary of the May 13 racial riots at a cemetery for the victims of the tragic event, here. On May 3, Suhakam called for the introduction of a National Harmony Act, aimed at fostering mutual respect, promoting inclusivity and protecting all communities from hate speech, incitement and discrimination. The commission said this following the publication of the Malaysia Racism Report 2024 by Pusat Komas, which reported a 'visible' increase in racial discrimination and xenophobia in Malaysia, with 73 such cases recorded last year. Tan Choong Cheng, chairman of The Friends of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Heritage Association (Pesawa), also urged the government to declassify official documents related to the riots. He suggested the government establish an official 'May 13 truth and reconciliation committee' to restore historical accuracy and encourage dialogues between archivists and the victims' families. AdChoices ADVERTISING Meanwhile, academic Tajuddin Rasdi suggested that May 13 be made a public holiday and a memorial site for the victims be built at the cemetery. He said official narratives of the tragedy should be objective to ensure the nation can learn from history and prevent the recurrence of such riots. 'We shouldn't blame each other for this tragedy like what (some of the) politicians are doing. It's better that we build a narrative that will hold every party accountable,' he said. On May 13, 1969, racial riots broke out in Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya and several other towns across Peninsular Malaysia following heated parades that took place after a general election. Official records say 143 Chinese, 25 Malays, 13 Indians and 15 others were killed in the riots, with over 400 injured. Unofficial accounts suggest a higher number of Chinese fatalities.
New Straits Times
01-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Parliament, S'gor assembly to host 2nd Asean Young Parliamentarians consultative meeting
SHAH ALAM: The Malaysian Parliament, in collaboration with the Selangor state legislative assembly, will host the 2nd Consultative Meeting of Young Parliamentarians of Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (YPA) from May 5 to 8 in Klang, near here. The Parliament issued a statement today stating that the meeting themed "Ensuring Asean's Future: Youth in Action for Sustainability and Inclusivity", will gather young parliamentarian delegations from all Asean member states. "This meeting reflects Asean's efforts, led by the Malaysian Parliament at the legislative level, to build a more inclusive, resilient, just and sustainable region through youth empowerment," the statement read. The YPA will focus on strengthening youth participation in policy-making processes addressing current issues such as bridging economic gaps, digital transformation and inclusive development, and members will discuss and formulate proposals to be presented at the 46th Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) General Assembly. "This aligns with the meeting's specific objectives to serve as a powerful platform for young parliamentarians to advocate inclusive and sustainable policies. "The meeting also outlines the importance of strategic and inclusive approaches to youth development. "By investing in future skills, strong institutional support and economic opportunities, Asean can fully harness youth energy and innovation for shared prosperity," the statement read. Dewan Rakyat Speaker and AIPA 2025 president Tan Sri Johari Abdul will officiate the May 6 opening ceremony, with Selangor Speaker Lau Weng San and AIPA secretary-general Siti Rozaimeriyanty Abdul Rahman in attendance. AIPA is an inter-parliamentary body comprising Asean national parliaments aimed at strengthening regional cooperation through legislative diplomacy and policy exchange and supporting Asean's goals in sustainable development, security, trade and youth empowerment. As AIPA 2025 president, the Malaysian Parliament plays a key role in leading an inclusive, sustainable and people-centric regional agenda. – Bernama
Express Tribune
07-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PA welcomes CPA moot delegates
LAHORE: Six different international parliamentary delegations have arrived in Lahore to participate in the first Asia and Southeast Asia Regional CPA Conference, being held at the Punjab Assembly. A delegation led by the Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee, Dr Christopher Kalila, has arrived in Lahore to attend the CPA Conference. Additionally, a three-member parliamentary delegation from the Selangor State Assembly, Malaysia, led by Speaker Lau Weng San, has also reached Lahore for the conference. Similarly, a six-member parliamentary delegation from the Parliament of Sri Lanka, led by Speaker Dr Jagath Wickramaratne and Sri Lanka's Deputy Minister Mohamed Mulaffer Muneer, has also arrived to participate in the conference. Furthermore, a four-member parliamentary delegation from the Parliament of Malaysia, led by Hon. Senator Pele Peter Tinggom, has reached Lahore. Additionally, a five-member parliamentary delegation led by the Speaker of Johor State Assembly, Malaysia, Haji Mohd Puad Bin Zarkashi, and the Speaker of Terengganu State Assembly, Malaysia, Hon YB Dato Haji Mohd Nor Bin Hamzah, has also arrived for the CPA Conference. Members of the Punjab Assembly Khurram Virk, Ahmad Khan Leghari and Staff Officer to the Speaker, Imad Hussain welcomed the initial delegations.
