Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email A bit more on the proposed Race Relations Act, as quoted by Syed Hamid:
Speaking to reporters after addressing ministry staff at a monthly gathering yesterday, Syed Hamid said both ministries would also have to collect input from non-Governmental organisations and individuals on the contents and scope of the Act.
The Act would include provisions on punitive action while using the Federal Constitution as the guideline, he said.
He added that the Act would also touch on race relations through the economic, education and distribution systems.
“There is a great need to work on the mindset of Malaysians and ways to strengthen the relations among all races in the country,” said Syed Hamid.
“We need to give priority on our diverse cultures and on the sensitivity of each race in order to create an ideal environment to live in,” he said, adding that similar Acts in other countries would be used as reference in drafting it.
While MCA youth thinks of the Act as a deterrent to ensure various communities are not belittled, reading Syed Hamid saying that the “Act would also touch on race relations through the economic, education and distribution systems” implies that it will hinder progress on equal rights. It may well serve to silence any voices that ask about distribution of scholarships, bumiputra equity, company ownership etc. Well, equal does not mean its equal. 🙂
