SINGAPORE – 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 carried 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 as “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.
For instance, Mr Yip Hon Weng (Yio Chu Kang) and Mr Gerald Giam (Aljunied GRC) raised concerns that the Government’s new power to issue restraining orders could stifle legitimate discourse, while Non-Constituency MP Hazel Poa sought clarity on scenarios where this power would be used.
Mr Shanmugam said the best evidence of how these powers are likely to be used is how the Government has used similar powers it has had since the MRHA was enacted in 1990.
No orders have been issued under the MRHA to date, but the legal framework means everyone understands what is not allowed in Singapore, he added.
“That gives you an indication of how the Government approaches these powers. The important thing is to have the powers, but also to be very, very careful and judicious in how you use them,” he said....