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This is the press statement issued after the 215th meeting of the Conference of Rulers yesterday:

“Press statement issued by the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal on the role of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Malay rulers regarding the special privileges, position, eminence or greatness of the Malay rulers, Islam, Malay as the national language, the special position of the Malays, and genuine interests of the other communities in accordance with the Federal Constitution.

“The Malay rulers who attended the meeting of the Conference of Rulers conferred on the issuing of this special joint press statement.

“The Malay rulers hold the constitutional role to safeguard the special privileges, position, eminence and greatness of the Malay rulers, safeguard Islam, Malay as the national language, and the genuine interests of the other communities in Malaysia.

“The actions of certain quarters in disputing and questioning these matters, which formed the primary basis for the formation of Malaysia and are enshrined in the Federal Constitution, had caused provocation and uneasiness among the people.”In retaliation, several quarters particularly Malay leaders whether in the government or non-governmental organisations as well as individuals had expressed their dissatisfaction and anger against those who had made the statements and reports and organised the forums.

“Among the reasons identified for these to have occurred is the cursory knowledge of those concerned regarding the historical background as to why these provisions were enshrined in the Federal Constitution and the influence of their attempts to implicate the principles of impartiality and justice without regard for the historical background and social condition of this country. Narrow political interests are also a cause.

“Unless this phenomenon is arrested immediately, it can lead to disunity and racial strife that can undermine the peace and harmony which has all this while brought progress, development and success to the nation.

“As such, it is necessary for the Conference of Rulers to emphasise and remind all quarters of these constitutional provisions besides giving emphasis to the assurance of safeguarding the genuine rights of other communities.

“It has to be emphasised that each provision in the Federal Constitution has undergone the process of discussion, consideration, consultation, sacrifice and compromise of the highest degree for what has been championed, discussed, considered, benefited from as well as agreed to by all quarters concerned, until the realisation of the provisions in the Federal Constitution which are known as the Social Contract.

“It is not proper to dispute and question this Social Contract and more so to subject it to a review or change because it is the primary basis of the formation of Malaysia. Therefore, it is appropriate for the Malay rulers to remind that there should never be any attempt ever to test and challenge issues related to the Social Contract.

“Truly, the leaders of the pre-independence era were insightful, far-sighted. They brought along with them the Malay rulers for the negotiations to claim independence. The institution of the rulers was retained and legally enshrined in the Constitution of an independent Malaysia.

“The institution of the Rulers was accorded eminence, was positioned at the apex of government, as the head of the country and the states, as a protective umbrella, ensuring impartiality among the citizens. The institution of rulers takes on the role of being a check-and-balance to untangle complications, if any.

“The Conference of Rulers also calls on the Malays to be united to safeguard the privileges, position, eminence and greatness of the Malay rulers, safeguard Islam, Malay as the national language, and the genuine interests of the other communities in Malaysia as enshrined in the Federal Constitution. It has to be emphasised that this agenda is more important and foremost than political or factional interests.

“Non-Malays should not harbour any apprehension or worry over their genuine rights because these rights are guaranteed under the Federal Constitution and provisions of the state constitutions of Malaysia contained in Article 153 of the Federal Constitution.

“It is hoped that with this emphasis, all confusion among the people regarding these matters can be contained and an atmosphere of peace, harmony and mutual respect can continue to exist among the people for the maintenance of order in the country.”

Well, disappointing to read the statement. The public is clamoring for change, for natural justice, for fairness. Well, what to do. I also think that the press statement is a warning to Bar Council as well due their organising of the forums.

Anyway, guess what Education Minister Hishamuddin said:

When asked whether the Barisan constitution would allow a second deputy position to be created, Hishammuddin said:
“The constitution is drafted by human beings. If it is for the benefit of all people, there is no constitution that cannot be amended,” said Hishamuddin.

Even though he was referring to BN constitution, I’m sure he agrees that its applicable to any other constitution as well. In fact our Federal Constitution have been amended so many times!

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Well, I still remember memorising the 16 values and 60-odd sub-values. Not sure if it has been increased or decreased.

The call to review the subject or the teaching methods has been there for decades. We used to read in the papers (under readers’ letters section) on the uselessness of the subject. One of the stinging jokes use to be that if the Moral teachers themselves sat for the exam, they will be declared as immoral or moral-less!

We hope this subject is totally abolished and a more useful subject is introduced. Perhaps religious studies or comparative studies of religions. We can’t be teaching academic or technical subjects since the Muslims students will be having their religious classes at that time. So, one can either go for religious or culture based syllabus.

However, answering a student’s questions during the Second Annual Malaysian Student Leaders Summitin KL, Education Minister Hishamuddin said that:

Whether we are going to change it or not is not up to me. It depends on the experts who advise me.

We are not going to get rid of the subject. That’s the problem we are facing as we cannot take everything in a piecemeal manner

What we know is that there will be a review. But what worries me is the experts. Its better to get the other stakeholders - students, parents, and teachers involved as well, instead of leaving it to exclusive few people who may not really understand the whole picture.

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Popularity: 1% [?]