Parliament debates president's powers in new Maintenance of Racial Harmony Act

Parliament passed a new law today, granting the government powers to issue restraining orders and adopt a community-based approach when dealing with racial issues. The Maintenance of Racial Harmony Act takes close reference from existing legislation in the Penal Code and Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act. Parliament also debated changes to Singapore's Constitution, which will allow the president to confirm, cancel or vary a restraining order, if the Cabinet and the Presidential Council for Racial and Religious Harmony have differing views. Seven opposition MPs voted against the constitutional amendment.