People wave the Jalur Gemilang aboard a KL Hop-On Hop-Off bus as it travels around Kuala Lumpur August 17, 2025. — Bernama pic

MalayMail/Bernama-Aug 21

The All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia (APPGM) on Racial and Religious Harmony is working on a document to define and set standards for hate speech that align with Malaysia’s multi-ethnic society. In a statement today, the group said the document could serve as a guideline for law enforcement, aiming to clarify provisions related to hate speech and the 3R issue (race, religion, and royalty) under the Communications and Multimedia Act, the Online Safety Act, and the Penal Code. It said that consultations with communities and stakeholders will be conducted soon to ensure the document fits Malaysia’s context and needs. “The proposal to draft this document was agreed upon at the second APPGM-Racial and Religious Harmony meeting yesterday, chaired by Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan, who is the APPGM chairman, and attended by cross-party MPs,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, in the lead-up to Budget 2026, the group has backed the National Unity Ministry’s proposal to increase allocations for each Rukun Tetangga from RM6,000 to RM10,000. It also suggested that the government introduce tax exemption incentives for companies contributing to unity and nation-building activities. “The group reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that national policies and resources continue to be marshalled to build a more inclusive, united and harmonious society,” the statement said. Read more at:

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/08/21/parliamentary-group-drafting-hate-speech-guidelines-to-reflect-malaysias-diversity/188470