UALA LUMPUR, Dec 28 (Bernama) — Various quarters have questioned a top church leader’s motive of questioning Article 153 of the Federal Constitution, pertaining to protection of the rights of the various communities in the country.
Dr Shamrahayu Abd Aziz from the Ahmad Ibrahim Law Faculty of the International Islamic University Malaysia, when contacted said Article 153 did not only protect the special rights of the Malays but also the rights of the non-Malays.
She referred to Clause 1 of the constitution which states, “It shall be the responsibility of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to safeguard the special position of the Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak and the legitimate interests of other communities in accordance with the provisions of this Article.”
Shamrahayu said: “I fully support the statement by the deputy prime minister (Tan Sri Muhiyiddin Yassin) yesterday that Article 153 does not bully any community in this country. This is clear in the constitution.
“But I question the motive of those raising this matter….they are actually making a provocation that can affect racial harmony in the country.”
Last week at the Christian Federation of Malaysia Christmas hi-tea, National Evangelical Christian Fellowship chairman, Dr Eu Hong Seng had said that Article 153 of the Federal Constitution was akin to bullying as it only protects the rights of one group.
To this, Shamrahayu said the government, for instance, did not deny the rights of the other communities to receiving government scholarships, study loans such as from the National Higher Education Corporation Fund which were given to all races, and other educational benefits like training.
“We, the Malays, have become fed-up with the issue being raised time and again. If it needs to be raised at all, it should be through the proper channel,” she said.
Malaysian Youth Council president Mohamed Maliki Mohamed Rapiee said Eu’s statement was sedicious and had caused public uneasiness.
“As a community and religious leader, he should have taken a more rational approach so that racial unity and harmony will prevail.
“We urge that he withdraws his statement and openly apologise to all Malaysians,” he said.
National Islamic Youth Association (Pembina) secretary-general, Salman Abdul Rahman said those who continued to question Malay special rights should look at the historical origin of Article 153.
“The Malays were given special rights as they were willing to recognise the immigrant races that came to this country as citizens. This was later known as the social contract.
“The Malays were kind to share this country and what they had with the other races. Likewise, if you’re invited to stay at someone’s house, and while you have your rights, that person has special rights as the host and you cannot take away his rights,” he said.
Sumber: My Sinchew Daily