Singapore passes new law to protect racial harmony
What's the story
Singapore's Parliament has unanimously passed a new law to consolidate existing statutes to preserve racial harmony and introduce measures against foreign interference.
The legislation also designates some 300 clan and business associations as "race-based entities" requiring disclosures, such as foreign donations.
Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam said the Bill consolidates powers to address conduct threatening racial harmony, calling it vital in the multi-ethnic city-state.
Law enforcement
New law empowers authorities, introduces remedial initiative
The law, Maintenance of Racial Harmony Bill (MRHA), enfranchises authorities to issue restraining orders against people creating content prejudicial to the country's racial harmony.
The legislation also establishes a community remedial initiative for less severe race-related offenses, giving offenders an opportunity to repair community ties instead of facing prosecution.
"We have always treated racial harmony as being fundamental in Singapore, and so this Bill has to be seen in that context," Shanmugam said.
Free speech
Minister Shanmugam addresses concerns over free speech
Minister Shanmugam also assured that the legislative changes wouldn't curtail free speech.
He cited that no restraining orders have been issued under the MRHA since its enactment in 1990.
Shanmugam highlighted a past incident where a preacher's disparaging remarks about Buddhism and Taoism were resolved without issuing an order, demonstrating the government's judicious use of such powers.
Legal alignment
New law aligns with existing penal code provisions
Further, Shanmugam clarified that expressions such as "Palestine to be free" are opinions, not calls for violence.
The scope of unacceptable conduct remains unchanged, in line with existing Penal Code provisions.
Responding to concerns that genuine dialogue on racial issues would be curtailed under the new Act, he said there's no change in the law's scope on race relations but acknowledged updates aligning language and defenses with equal provisions.
Council review
Similar bills were passed in the past
The bill is the latest in a line of legislation aimed at combating foreign influence and misinformation.
It approved one such bill in 2021 that prohibits foreign businesses or individuals from influencing the country's politics, while another targeting "fake news" went into force in 2019.
Singapore's government has long argued that such regulations are necessary given its status as a financial hub with diverse population.
Ethnic Chinese make up over 75% of the population, Malays (14%) and Indians (9%).