New law to protect racial harmony passed unanimously

Move consolidates existing statutes while providing for additional safeguards

- Goh Yan Han

A new law that consolidates existing statutes to preserve racial harmony while providing for additional safeguards was passed in Parliament on Feb 4.

The Maintenance of Racial Harmony Bill was passed unanimously after five hours of debate, and accompanying amendments to the Constitution were approved with 78 MPs voting in favour, and seven Workers' Party MPs voting against.

While the authorities already had powers to deal with conduct that threatens racial harmony, Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam said the Bill brought these powers together in one place, while affirming the importance of racial harmony here.

The new law empowers the authorities to issue restraining orders against individuals involved in making content that prejudices Singapore's racial harmony, taking close reference from the existing Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act (MRHA).

It also introduces a community remedial initiative, which gives those who have committed less egregious race-related offences a chance to mend community ties in lieu of prosecution.

New safeguards against foreign interference will also be introduced, with some 300 clan and business associations here to be designated "race-based entities" subject to disclosures - such as on foreign donations.

"We have always treated racial harmony as being fundamental in Singapore, and so this Bill has to be seen in that context," Mr Shanmugam said. "Multiracialism, underpinned by racial harmony, is a foundational principle for us."

During the debate, which was joined by 15 MPs, Mr Shanmugam sought to allay concerns that the legislative changes would curtail free speech.