(Bernama) - The people, irrespective of race, who question Article 153 of the Federal Constitution, which spells out the special rights and privileges of the Malays and Bumiputeras, are blind about history and the constitution, an analyst said.
Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Khoo Kay Kim said the special position of the Malays was recognised way back since the British era.
“When the British came to Malaya, they found that there were already Malay governments in several parts of the peninsula, and the British recognised these governments.
“These governments took care of a large number of people (the Malays). For the British, these people had their special rights. But those who came and lived in Malaya were not subjects of the Rulers and therefore, did not enjoy the same rights enjoyed by the Malays,” he told Bernama.
He said the non-Malays in the peninsula at that time were not citizens or subjects of the king, saying they only had the opportunity to apply for citizenship when the Federation of Malaya was formed on February 1, 1948.
“When the British planned the formation of the Malay Federation as a nation state, it was an extension of what already existed then, and by 1957, the Federal Constitution was formulated, incorporating the prevailing arrangement at that time,” he said.
The people, especially those from other races, should therefore respect the rights and privileges of the Malays as enshrined in the constitution because when it was first formulated, the various races had already agreed to what needed to be incorporated in it, he said.
“The special position of the Malays started since a long time ago and based on the system of government existed then. In the peninsula, nine Malay kingdoms existed since 1895, and continue to exist until today,” he said.
The Federal Constitution was formulated based on the recommendations of the Reid Commission. It took effect soon after the independence on August 31, 1957.
Article 153 spells out powers vested upon the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in safeguarding the special position of the Malays and the natives of Sabah and Sarawak, as well as the legitimate interests of other communities.
It also spells out in detail the functions of the King in ensuring quotas for the Malays and Bumiputeras in the public service, scholarships, public education as well as the provisions of permits and business licences.
Khoo said the reason why there were groups questioning the rights and privileges of the Malays was because the society of today was “blind about history”.
“They don’t understand (the constitution) and are ignorant of what they can or cannot do. There shouldn’t be any debate on the constitution because what is important is to follow what has been in use for so long,” he said.
He said that if the constitution was to be amended, it would require the agreement of two-thirds of MPs in Parliament and should be consented to by the King.
He added that anyone wanting to abolish or amend Article 153 should obtain the agreement of the Malays and Bumiputeras, the agreement of two-thirds of MPs in Parliament and the consent of the King.
===========================================
written by anon, September 07, 2010 01:51:05
Khoo said the reason why there were groups questioning the rights and privileges of the Malays was because the society of today was “blind about history”.
KKK, I for one am not interested in rights and privileges of one race....who (except you) gives a fcuk about ....what was, so what shall be.
In essence, you are supporting and condoning the 'bumiputeras' and the 'ketuanan' Melayu bullshit.
If something is old and outdated, we should replace it with new things....for the sake of progress. And if a historian like you, a Professor Emeritus, cannot fathom that, then I say ...you are 'blind about history'.
We go back into history to shape a better future....for all Malaysians. You have it all, so why do you care about the plight about the have-nots?
Eggheads like that lawyer is one fine example of a 'bumiputera' getting into a court of Law as a lawyer and making an ass of himself and the Judiciary.
Come on KKK, you know it and I know it...why the racial discrimination? It's pervasive. Quota system in your University. Have you not seen the difference in the quality of students?
But that is another matter.
When you talk about the SPECIAL RIGHTS of the Malays and that it should never be challenged....you disappoint me - no, you have swayed...you took a wrong turn. Which history books have you been reading?
America has changed over decades and today we have a BLACK man as a president. CHANGE IS WHAT WE ARE ASKING FOR AND CHANGE IS WHAT IS NEEDED ...IF ALL RACES ARE TO UNITE AND LIVE IN HARMONY.
But you are 'blind' to that fact...it is pathetic that you have bowed so low and are fighting for the 'special rights' of ANY race.
Every damn race came from outside this country....now, don't tell me that you, as a historian, are ignorant of that. So why the special rights and privileges? Because the British said so?
Bottom line: THIS COUNTRY NEEDS A CHANGE...a change of draconian history books and relics like you who cannot think of a better future for the people of this country.
If we, like you, adhere to History books, whether they tell the truth is another episode....then, we will all still be divided ....and that is precisely what UMNO wants.... you know it and I know it.
cheers....for a better and more progressive Malaysia.
written by anon, September 07, 2010 02:31:18
Let me remind you KKK....if something, anything is old and outdated ( like your myopic reasoning )...it is every one's duty, including yours, to change it...be it archaic History books, your pants, or any articles in the constitution....if that article brings about a divided nation, then that article should be changed so we can have peace in the country and among it's people.
No one is 'challenging' the rulers....I believe there should be a change for the better....all for the sake of racial harmony. And if we need to change any article anywhere, so be it....why can't all of us live in peace and harmony???
Isn't that what Malaysia is all about?....Malaysia truly Asia...what does that mean to you? Why lie to the world that we are living in perfect harmony?
The British had their selfish reasons and formulated the constitution. Do you really believe the British wanted peace among the races? They came here and got what they wanted....then left this country in a mess. It is now up to us to make amendments for a better future for ALL Malaysians.
No one race in a plural society should be the 'Master Race'...not the Malays, the Indians, the Chinese or the Brits...not in any country. These were the same Brits who were the 'Tuans' in India ( sahabs ) and all the countries they colonized.
The British messed up....do we have to add to that mess? Or do we think about what they did and undo the mess they created?
The Reid Commission, formulated in the house of a royal, was not thought of wisely. We now have to think and rethink and come up with a plan....heck, even an amended Constitution if it needs be....to bring ALL races in Malaysia....Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazans and Dayaks together....as one.
I am entitled to my opinion.
