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News Wrap-up: Harsher Punishment For Inciting Hatred, And The Government Has To Take A Stand on Child Marriages

Jul 27, 2018

Harsher Punishment For Inciting Hatred

You could be slapped with a seven-year jail term or RM100,000 fine for inciting racial and religious hatred under three new bills to be tabled in Parliament. 

They are the Anti-Discrimination Act, the National Harmony and Reconciliation Commission Act and the Religious and Racial Hatred Act.

Image Source: Utusan

The Minister in charge of Islam told Sin Chew the government is aiming to table them during the October Parliamentary session, or next February's session at the latest. 

Datuk Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa also assured the new laws will not be abused by the authorities, as there is a very strict and precise definition. 

He didn't say what it was, but explained only those who deliberately and repeatedly propagate racial and religious hate speeches or remarks on social media or other channels will be charged.

However, jokes made during a conversation are not an offence.

Government Has To Take A Stand On Child Marriages

Separately, Datuk Dr Mujahid says the government has to take a stand for the greater public interest on the issue of child marriages.

He said this in response to PAS's rejection of a blanket ban on such marriages, with the Islamic party earlier saying that underaged marriages are allowed from a religious perspective.

Image Source: The Star

Datuk Dr Mujahid however says the government found many underaged marriages were inclined towards exploitation, whether it's because the family is poor, or because the union is simply rooted in lust.

Deputy Minister Clarifies Fake PTPTN News

The Deputy Education Minister has hit out at those who twisted her comments about PTPTN borrowers. 

Image Source: MalayMail

In Parliament earlier this week, Teo Nie Ching said it's unfair for PTPTN loan defaulters to be blacklisted from leaving the country, as that is how bankrupts are treated. 

However, viral posts have falsely accused her of saying the government will declare PTPTN loan defaulters bankrupt. 

HFMD Alert In Selangor

The Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease situation in Selangor has reached the alert level, after 9,300 cases were recorded up til last week. 

The vast majority of them involved children below the age of six. 

However, no kindergartens, childcare centres or schools in Selangor have been ordered to close amid the outbreak... unlike in Penang, where 20 premises remain closed. 

And...

The Health Minister wants the rakyat to pay more attention to our teenagers, as he revealed a survey which showed 1 in 20 teens have attempted suicide. 

Image Source: Berita Harian

The survey of 13 to 17 year old's also found 16% of them were involved in bullying, 13% smoked and almost 1 in 10 is sexually active.