{
  "id": 9917995,
  "title": "Constitution cannot be read 'ala carte', says Zahid",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/constitution-cannot-be-read-ala-carte-says-zahid",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-26T05:50:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/09/1541505/constitution-cannot-be-read-ala-carte-says-zahid"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "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.",
  "key_points": [
    "Federal Constitution must be read as a whole, not selectively",
    "Deputy PM Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasizes constitutional framework",
    "Articles 8, 153, 160 form national framework with equal rights"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The deputy prime minister's comments signal that the government is seeking to promote a more holistic understanding of the constitution, one that balances competing interests and rights within a unified framework.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Zahid: Don't label actions 'disloyal', 'rude' before understanding Constitution",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/zahid-dont-label-actions-disloyal-rude-before-understanding",
        "published": "2026-09-26T03:21:39.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Zahid: Understand Constitution before branding actions ‘treasonous’ or ‘disrespectful’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/zahid-understand-constitution-before-branding-actions-treasonous-or",
        "published": "2026-09-26T03:40:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}