IN an ever-evolving world, we must not underestimate the fragility of a nation’s sustainability.
The annals of history have witnessed the dissolution of at least three countries: The Soviet Union, Yugoslavia, and Czechoslovakia – either through peaceful secession or war.
Additionally, at least five other nations: Pakistan, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Sudan, and Malaysia have witnessed shifts in their borders as certain regions pursued independence.
As we celebrate Malaysia’s 60th anniversary on September 16, 2023, let us take a moment to reflect on the resilience of our nation.
May this spirit continue to fortify our nation for the years and generations ahead.
To safeguard the unity of Malaysia, it is imperative that we uphold the federal constitution of Malaysia 1963, an evolution of the federal constitution of Malaya 1957, reinforced by an international treaty and recognised by the United Nations as the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
The 1963 federal constitution serves as the foundation of our national social contract.
We must ensure that each commitment, certification, and pledge enshrined within the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is not only fortified but also open to enhancement through a more extensive and profound decentralisation process.
Concurrently, it is crucial that we exercise prudent change management.
Rushing into alterations should be avoided until a consensus is diligently forged, incorporating the perspectives of all stakeholders.
Given the prevailing political volatility in our nation, intensified by the dissemination of doubts and animosity by certain factions, the significance of meticulous change management is further underscored.
I am deeply concerned about the persistent advocacy by ten Muslim non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for the expeditious amendment of the constitution.
This urgency stems from their apprehension regarding a potential legal challenge questioning the competence of the state legislative assembly to enact Islamic legislation.
I express my heartfelt understanding of the apprehensions felt by my Muslim compatriots.
I implore and beseech all stakeholders to approach this process with judiciousness, ensuring it is not expedited or confined in a manner that suggests this constitutional amendment pertains solely to the Muslim community or to be determined solely by the Muslim MPs who constitute a substantial majority exceeding two-thirds.
I earnestly beseech the sagacity of the Malay rulers, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, leader of the parliamentary opposition Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin, as well as the esteemed leaders representing a diverse array of political parties and non-governmental organisations, to collectively recognize one another as integral stakeholders in matters pertaining to race, religion, and language.
Our interconnected existence underscores the fact that we are all intertwined as stakeholders in these complex issues.
Rules and policies can have spillover effects on unintended groups. For instance, under the 1992 Islamic Law Administration Enactment, a fatwa prohibits non-Muslims from using 32 Arabic-origin words, like “Allah,” “injil,” and “rasul.”
The shared terminology in question represents prevailing concepts within the Abrahamic religions as well.
It is crucial to inquire how the implementation of such principles may impose limitations upon non-Muslim individuals, such as us Sabah natives who adhere to Christianity and communicate in the Malay language.
Is it not within the scope of the 1963 federal constitution and the solemn Keningau Oath Stone of Allegiance to uphold the assurance of religious liberty within the nation of Malaysia?
I respectfully urge Anwar to establish a dedicated cabinet committee under his chairmanship. This committee would include the religion minister and the national unity minister as vice-chairpersons, alongside senior ministers from government parties as members.
Its primary mandate would be to preside over deliberations and foster consensus on matters pertaining to race, religion, and language, thereby mitigating the necessity for hasty or ill-considered decisions.
In the context of sensitive matters, it is essential that all relevant stakeholders are not only duly apprised but also afforded the opportunity to articulate their perspectives.
This approach serves as the primary means to prevent the emergence of political discord instigated by individuals seeking to exploit the ambiguity of the situation.
Enabling all parties to mobilise grassroots support in insistence or protest may lead to a situation where mitigating the prevailing tensions becomes considerably more challenging.
On this auspicious and momentous occasion of Malaysia Day, let us express our appreciation for our fellow Malaysians as compatriots and collectively seek the most optimal solution. Let us demonstrate to our neighbouring nations that Malaysia, like Indonesia, possesses the capacity to attain “Unity in Diversity.” – The Vibes, September 16, 2023
Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau is the MP for Tuaran and honorary president of United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko)
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