Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Regulations or Safeguards to Preserve the Dignity or Sanctity of Sacred Religious Texts or Symbols from Being Misused

Question:

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs whether there is any regulation or safeguard to preserve the dignity or sanctity of sacred religious texts or symbols from being misused for commercial purpose or on any part of costume or attire, furnishing, decoration or receptacle.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law:

1.   It is an offence to denigrate any religion or commit acts that are prejudicial to the maintenance of religious harmony. Anyone who denigrates a religion and causes disharmony, feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will between different religious or racial groups, can be taken to task under sections 298 and 298A of the Penal Code or the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act.