Constitution cannot be read 'ala carte', says Zahid
AYER KEROH: The Federal Constitution cannot be interpreted selectively by picking provisions that suit a specific stance, but must be understood as a complete national framework, said Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Federal Constitution cannot be selectively interpreted, says Zahid. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized that the nation's foundational structure must be understood as a complete framework, not read selectively to favor a particular stance. Zahid stated that confidence in Malaysia's history should go hand in hand with understanding the country's constitutional framework.
He highlighted that history explains the nation's journey, while the constitution serves as a guide for rights, freedoms, and equality. All provisions in the Constitution, including Article 8 on equality before the law, Article 153 protecting the special position of Malays and natives of Sabah and Sarawak, and Article 160 defining a Malay, among others, form a national framework that must be understood as a whole.
Zahid clarified that defending constitutionally guaranteed positions does not mean denying the rights of other legitimate citizens and stressed the importance of respecting the position of others. He encouraged studying the history of migration but emphasized that legitimate citizens are part of Malaysia's homeland. Zahid affirmed that recognising historical roots and indigenous status should not imply denial of other communities' place in the country.
He stressed the need for continued efforts towards Malay-Muslim unity, ensuring that differences do not hinder consensus on matters involving religion, race, and the country. This consensus must be rooted in the Constitution and respect the rights of all citizens.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
