‘Provisions in Constitution reflect racial diversity’

KUALA LUMPUR: There are several provisions in the Federal Constitution that in its implementation reflect diversity and importance of the races in this country, said former Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim (pic).

He said that among the provisions that reflect racial diversity is Article 8 which states that all individuals are entitled to the equal protection of the law and it is intended to promote racial diversity.

“Under Article 8, all of them regardless of whether they are Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazan, Murut, Orang Ulu, or Dayak are equal before the law,” he said when contacted by Bernama.

He also said Article 153 provides for the special rights of the Malays and the Orang Asli population of any state, Sabah and Sarawak as well as the interests of other communities.

Therefore, he emphasised that it wouldn’t be right for any party to say that the Federal Constitution places no value on racial diversity as claimed by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“So it is sufficient to demonstrate that there are constitutional rights in the Constitution, therefore there is a diversity of interests for all races. It is inaccurate to state that our Constitution does not recognise diversity,” he added.

He was commenting on Dr Mahathir’s statement which claimed that efforts to promote a multi-ethnic country were against the Federal Constitution.

Rais also said that according to Article 11, every individual in this country has the right to practise their own religion in peace, while Article 12 mentions the importance of education without discrimination based on religion, race, descent, or place of birth.

“Everyone has the right to profess and practise their religion, so Article 11 is also an example of how racial diversity is recognised through religion,” he said.