National unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang says it's more practical and cost-effective to strengthen existing institutions.
National unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang said this decision was made after conducting two engagement sessions with civil society groups, government agencies, academics, community leaders and other stakeholders on the proposed commission’s scope, implications, challenges and feasibility.
“After considering the views of all parties, the ministry decided not to proceed with establishing a national harmony commission as a new entity.
“The ministry will focus on strengthening existing institutions, namely the national unity and integration department, the respective Rukun Tetangga, and community mediators.
“These institutions will serve as agents to manage social harmony, as part of a practical, responsive and cost-effective approach to strengthen the management of social harmony,” he said in a written parliamentary reply.
Aaron added that a commission would have overlapping functions with the existing institutions and lead to unnecessary additional costs.
The national unity consultation council had prepared three draft bills in 2015, including the national harmony and reconciliation commission bill.
Aaron previously said the government agreed in principle on the national harmony and reconciliation commission bill in 2019, though its implementation was delayed due to overlaps in jurisdiction with the police and Suhakam.
In April 2020, the Perikatan Nasional-led government decided not to proceed with the bill, but Aaron’s ministry revived the proposal in April this year, citing a “rise in unity-related polemics that threaten national harmony”. - FMT
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