Making PM post exclusive to one race against constitution, MA63, says S'wakian lawmaker

KUCHING: Making the Prime Minister's post exclusive to Malays goes against the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), says a Sarawakian lawmaker.

Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii (pic) said such a move would further divide and create animosity among Malaysians, besides widening the integration gap with Sabah and Sarawak.

"Sabah, Sarawak and Malaya formed Malaysia based on principles and rights entailed in MA63 that were integrated into the Federal Constitution.

"Such principles provide for multiethnic, multireligious and multicultural Malaysian aspirations," he said in a statement on Friday (Dec 15).

Dr Yii was commenting on Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayshal Wan Ahmad Kamal's suggestion to amend the Constitution to allow only Malay Muslims to be Prime Minister.

"Does this mean that even native Sabahans and Sarawakians cannot take our country's top leadership, a country that we have identified as our own?" Dr Yii said.

He said it was the vision of Malaysia's forefathers to build a country where every Malaysian child could dream, grow up, contribute and take leadership positions.

"This includes the possibility for any Malaysian to take the top leadership position as appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, (a person) who, in His Majesty's judgment, commands the confidence of the majority of the members of the Dewan Rakyat and be measured by their abilities and contributions to our country," he said.

Dr Yii added that such toxic politics should be rejected not just by Sabahans and Sarawakians but by all peace-loving Malaysians who uphold the spirit of multiculturalism and want to see an inclusive Malaysia.