KUALA LUMPUR: The establishment of the National Harmony Commission in the preliminary stage, says Deputy National Unity Minister R. Yuneswaran.
“In principle, the proposed commission is seen as a mechanism with the potential to focus on mediation, dialogue, reconciliation, social education, policy advice, sentiment monitoring and early conflict prevention,” he said during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (July 7).
However, he added that its form, functions, legal mandate, structure, membership, jurisdiction and feasibility require further study.
He assured that the proposed commission will not affect, challenge or amend the fundamental provisions enshrined under the Federal Constitution.
These include Article 3 which establishes Islam as the religion of the Federation and Article 121 on the powers and jurisdiction of the Syariah Courts.
It also protects Articles 32 and 38 on the sovereignty and position of the Malay Rulers, as well as provisions related to the National Language and the position of Malays and the Bumiputera of Sabah and Sarawak.
“These provisions remain the foundations of nation-building and continue to be protected in accordance with the Federal Constitution, the principles of Constitutional Monarchy and the spirit of nation-building,” he said.
He said the need to review the proposal arose following an increasingly complex social landscape. He noted the growing polemics on social media, the rapid spread of information and sensitivities involving religious, racial and royal institution (3R) issues.
“In addition, proposals from experts and civil society organisations, including Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, the Malaysian Bar and academic experts, have also highlighted the need for a more effective mechanism to prevent and manage conflicts before they affect social harmony,” he said.
The ministry has conducted two engagement sessions with civil society organisations, government agencies, academic experts, community leaders and various stakeholders to gather preliminary views on the proposal.
Yuneswaran was responding to a question by Wan Razali Wan Nor (Perikatan Nasional-Kuantan) on the rationale behind the proposal. Wan Razali had questioned if the commission could risk opening up debates on the main principles agreed upon during the formation of the country, especially in relation to Articles 3 and 121 (1A) of the Federal Constitution.
