PETALING JAYA: Rights group Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) has condemned an opposition MP’s call to limit the prime ministership to Malays, likening it to a form of apartheid as it would legalise racism in the Federal Constitution.
LFL director Zaid Malek said any attempt to limit the prime ministership to a single race would be struck down by the courts as it would “offend” the constitution.
He also said there were sufficient safeguards concerning the position of the Malays and Islam in the Federal Constitution.
“The position of the Malays and Islam cannot be so easily altered as it requires the consent of the Conference of Rulers, as required by Article 159 of the Federal Constitution.
“This measure of protection in itself is already enough to dismiss the baseless fears conjured up by Machang MP (Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal).
“This abhorrent suggestion by the Bersatu MP must be immediately rejected by the prime minister and government and condemned unequivocally,” Zaid said in a statement.
He added that with the Israel-Palestinian conflict throwing the spotlight on apartheid policies, Wan Fayhsal’s remarks may affect Malaysia’s standing on the international stage to address issues on equality and human rights.
“Let’s not split hairs — this proposal is textbook racism.
“Malaysia would have no moral authority left to speak out on the international stage, whether on Palestine or any other matter if such an amendment is made.”
Zaid also said the Federal Court recently affirmed the “basic structure doctrine” whereby the constitution cannot be manipulated to undermine its core values of democracy and equality built into it since Merdeka.
Yesterday, Wan Fayhsal challenged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to use his two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat to amend the constitution to ensure that only Malays can become the prime minister.
He said he would support such a move and that this was fair since there was an understanding in the “social contract” that Malays are expected to “always lead in politics”.
The Bersatu Youth chief also said this would help instil confidence among the Malays in the government, especially in light of DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang’s remarks on whether a non-Malay could become the prime minister.
Bukit Aman is currently investigating Lim’s remarks.
