KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s harmonious coexistence among various races and religions has been a defining feature since its independence. However, preserving this harmony faces significant challenges, particularly in the era of rapid advancements in information and communication technology.
Initiatives like the Comprehensive Direction of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0) and the National Digital Strategy have enhanced ICT accessibility, encouraging greater societal engagement.
Unfortunately, these advancements have also been misused, leading to an increase in religious, racial and royal-related insults, as well as a rise in hate speech.
Given this, maintaining the delicate balance of the 3R (Race, Religion and Royalty) elements is critical to building and sustaining harmony in Malaysia’s multicultural society. Recognising their importance, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has taken firm measures against any threats to these core values. Strengthening these elements is vital for fostering a responsible, inclusive society and aligns with the government’s efforts to promote racial unity, which has grown increasingly fragile in recent years.
To discuss or not to discuss?
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that the government does not prohibit academics from discussing issues related to 3R, provided such discussions do not incite hatred or promote seditious behaviour. He reiterated that freedom of speech is upheld but should be exercised responsibly, focusing on statements, criticisms or views that benefit the public.
When do you cross the line?
Speaking at the Memorial Ceremony for the Late Syed Husin Ali, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim clarified that discussions about 3R issues are only restricted when they cross boundaries—such as inciting racial hatred, exploiting religion to harm others, or manipulating the public in ways that could lead to societal discord.
Anwar also cautioned against using terms like ‘kafir harbi’ to label non-Muslims, noting that the Arabic term ‘harbi’ refers to war, and such labelling by political leaders could create misunderstandings among their followers.
Legislation to safeguard the 3Rs
In July 2023, the government revealed plans to consider a new law aimed at imposing civil penalties on individuals who incite issues related to 3R, according to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Azalina Othman Said. She explained that the proposed legislation, potentially named the ‘State and Nation Act’, would be modelled after Singapore’s Maintenance of Racial Harmony Act but tailored to suit Malaysia’s context.
Currently, offences related to 3R issues are addressed under the Sedition Act 1948, which focuses on criminal elements and often results in lengthy prosecution processes due to legal procedures.
She suggested that the proposed law should take a more straightforward, punitive approach, emphasising fines for violations to allow for quicker resolutions. “This makes it easier to address or convict such cases,” she remarked.
The Role of MCMC in addressing 3R issues
MCMC, in collaboration with social media platforms, removed 1,454 pieces of content related to race, religion, and royalty (3R) from January to March 2024. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching reported that religious hate speech accounted for the majority with 727 cases, followed by racial issues (588) and content targeting the royal institution (139).
“In 2023, a total of 1,633 3R-related posts were removed. However, in just the first three months of 2024, 1,454 posts have already been taken down, which is deeply concerning,” Teo said.
She further explained that Facebook accounted for the highest number of flagged content at 731 posts, followed by TikTok (705), X (nine), YouTube (five), and Telegram (four). Teo urged the public to act responsibly online and not fall prey to the manipulation of such issues.
MCMC would like to urge Malaysians to approach sensitive issues with moderation to maintain the harmony and peace that has been fostered since Malaysia’s independence. It emphasised that any comments or content that threaten the unity of the nation’s multiracial society must be stopped immediately for the collective good.
What can you do?
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) would like to encourage the public to report any social media content or incidents involving the 3Rs. Reports can be submitted via WhatsApp to 016-220 6262 or email to mediasosial@mcmc.gov.my.
The public is advised to provide screenshots and URLs of inappropriate content when filing a report through WhatsApp or email. For reports involving inappropriate content shared on WhatsApp, a screenshot along with the sender’s phone number is required.
In an era of rapid technological advancement, Malaysia’s cherished harmony among its diverse communities faces growing challenges, particularly from the misuse of digital platforms to spread 3R-related content. Safeguarding this harmony requires a collective effort. Let us all work together to build a digital environment that reflects the values of respect, understanding and inclusion. – January 22, 2025
