On February 4th 2025, Singapore passed the Maintenance of Racial Harmony Bill, a new law aimed at safeguarding the country’s multicultural society.
The legislation consolidates and strengthens existing laws to prevent racial discord and protect social cohesion. It provides clear guidelines and enforcement measures to address potential racial tensions proactively.
One of the key provisions of the bill is the ability to designate certain organizations as “race-based entities.” These include clan associations, business groups, and other institutions that represent specific ethnic communities, such as the Chinese, Malay, and Indian populations. Once designated, these organizations must adhere to stricter transparency requirements, including the disclosure of foreign affiliations, anonymous donations, and leadership composition.
They must also ensure that more than half of their governing body consists of Singapore citizens, and that responsible officers are either citizens or permanent residents. This provision aims to prevent undue foreign influence on matters related to race and social harmony.
The law also grants the Minister for Home Affairs the authority to issue restraining orders against individuals or organizations involved in activities that could undermine racial harmony. Such orders may restrict public discussions on race-related issues, prevent the distribution of certain materials, or impose conditions on an individual’s speech or behavior.
Violations of these orders could lead to fines of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both. Authorities believe this measure will act as a deterrent against those attempting to incite racial discord through speeches, publications, or social media platforms.
Additionally, the legislation introduces a community remedial initiative that allows individuals who have engaged in conduct detrimental to racial harmony to participate in corrective programs. These programs may include educational courses on racial sensitivity, public apologies, or community service projects aimed at promoting understanding among different ethnic groups.
Successful completion of these programs may be taken into account by the Public Prosecutor when deciding whether to pursue legal action. This initiative reflects Singapore’s emphasis on education and rehabilitation rather than solely punitive measures.
Furthermore, the bill enhances existing frameworks by streamlining government responses to racial incidents. It provides a legal basis for swift interventions and ensures that authorities can take immediate action to prevent escalating tensions. The law also promotes collaboration between government agencies, community leaders, and civil society organizations to foster a deeper sense of racial unity and resilience.
By implementing this law, Singapore reinforces its commitment to maintaining racial harmony and addressing potential threats, both internal and external, to its diverse and multicultural society. The bill reflects the country’s proactive approach to social cohesion, ensuring that all racial and ethnic communities can coexist peacefully while safeguarding national interests.
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