On February 4, Singapore’s Parliament passed the Maintenance of Racial Harmony Bill, consolidating existing laws to enhance racial harmony while introducing new safeguards.
The Bill, passed unanimously after five hours of debate, empowers authorities to issue restraining orders against individuals creating racial discord and introduces a community remedial initiative for minor race-related offenses.
It also designates around 300 race-based entities, like clan and business associations, to disclose foreign affiliations and donations to guard against foreign interference.
Singapore’s Minister of Law K Shanmugam emphasized the importance of racial harmony, clarifying that the Bill wouldn’t stifle free speech.
“We have always treated racial harmony as being fundamental in Singapore, and so this Bill has to be seen in that context,” Shanmugam said. “Multiracialism, underpinned by racial harmony, is a foundational principle for us.”
He highlighted that restraining orders, like those under the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act (MRHA), would be used carefully, citing previous instances of dialogue rather than punitive action.
The new law also includes provisions for a Presidential Council for Racial and Religious Harmony.
ALSO READ: Singapore’s Racial Harmony Bill: New powers to address race-based offenses and protect social unity
While addressing concerns, Shanmugam assured that the law would not hinder legitimate discourse or participation in organizations but would protect against malicious foreign influence.
“The intent is to safeguard from malicious foreign influence, not to curtail legitimate exchanges, business deals or trade promotion activities conducted by our clan or business associations,” he added.
