KUALA LUMPUR: Matters related to race, religion and royalty (3R) can still be discussed within the limits of the law, says Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.
The government has no plans to enact specific laws or guidelines on 3R issues as it can be open to exploitation by irresponsible parties, he added during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Nov 14).
"Not everything related to 3R is prohibited, as long as it does not break any laws and regulations.
ALSO READ: No plan to change current laws related to governing 3R issues
"However, a better approach is to not discuss 3R matters openly as it could cause other parties to be uncomfortable," he said in response to a supplementary question from Manndzri Nasib (BN-Tenggara).
Shamsul Anuar said police had issued warnings about debates and discussions on 3R matters to avoid situations that could affect public order.
"Anyone not satisfied with the action taken by the authorities can use existing channels to report ... misconduct, including through the Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC)," he said.
ALSO READ: Home Ministry defends police probe into 3R issues
To an earlier question from Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Baru), Shamsul Anuar revealed that 60 out of 104 cases related to 3R issues have been completed while the remaining 44 cases were still being investigated.
"To be specific, there are 47 cases related to the royal institution, 30 cases involving religion, and 27 cases related to race.
ALSO READ: Enact new 3R law to clarify offences, says Takiyuddin
"Actually, if we look at the figures... under the Sedition Act 1948, between 2010 and September this year, only 19 were charged out of 960 cases investigated.
"This shows that we are transparent and do not simply take action against anyone.
"Police investigations always follow standard operating procedures and regulations," he added.
