Harmony commission will not affect constitutional provisions, says ministry
PUTRAJAYA: The National Unity Ministry has refuted claims linking the proposed establishment of the National Harmony Commission (SKN) to issues involving unregistered places of worship and the Interfaith Commission, describing them as untrue, manipulative and misleading.
Responding to various views and reactions regarding the ongoing engagement sessions of the proposed commission by the National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN), the ministry said the proposal emphasises a preventive, conciliatory and harmonious approach to resolving issues.
The ministry said that the approach is not solely punitive but prioritises early conflict prevention, mediation and reconciliation, constructive dispute resolution, and the enhancement of social harmony.
“The SKN will likely have functions to conduct investigations into issues affecting national harmony, submit recommendations for action and preventive measures to the government and relevant agencies, facilitate formal mediation processes, and publish public reports subject to national security considerations,” it said in a statement yesterday, Bernama reported.
The ministry also assured that the proposed SKN will not affect or alter fundamental matters enshrined in the Federal Constitution, including the position of Islam, the institution of the Malay Rulers, and the rights of Malays and bumiputra.
“KPN (National Unity Ministry) strongly assures that any proposal related to the SKN will in no way touch, question or alter the fundamental provisions enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
“These provisions are the cornerstone of the nation’s formation and remain safeguarded in line with the spirit of the Constitution and the country’s social contract,” it said.
The ministry emphasised that the key provisions include Article 3, which establishes Islam as the religion of the Federation; Article 121, concerning the jurisdiction of the Syariah Courts; Articles 32 and 38, which pertain to the sovereignty of the Malay Rulers; Article 153, regarding the special position of Malays and the natives of Sabah and Sarawak; and Article 152, which designates the Malay language as the national language.
It said JPNIN has been mandated to conduct comprehensive engagement sessions with the public, NGOs, government agencies, experts, community leaders and stakeholders to gather initial feedback on the proposal.
“These engagement sessions are not a platform for making final decisions, but rather a formal avenue to obtain views, suggestions, concerns and feedback in a structured and respectful manner before any further consideration is submitted to the government.
“All views received will be recorded, examined and refined objectively and professionally,” it said.
The ministry said the engagement sessions will be conducted in stages to ensure all perspectives are comprehensively considered before any policy decision is made.
It also clarified that a Bill is not decided solely through engagement sessions, as it must undergo a rigorous process including ministry-level evaluation, Attorney-General’s Chambers review, Regulatory Impact Analysis, Cabinet approval and tabling in the Dewan Rakyat.
“If the findings of the engagement sessions do not indicate the need or suitability, the proposal drafting process may also be discontinued. This principle must be clearly and properly understood by all parties,” it said.
The ministry added that an open and inclusive engagement approach is the best way to ensure that all views, suggestions, and concerns are examined objectively, prudently and responsibly.
