Constitution the guardian of peace

Emphasising the importance of the Constitution

The Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah’s call to young Malaysians to protect the integrity and sanctity of the Federal Constitution is very timely and encouraging. He rightly pointed that the rule of law and inviolability of the Constitution, economic and social justice for all, and a thriving civil society will allow an effective and sustained nation building in a pluralistic society.

The Constitution is the supreme law of the land and abiding by it is every citizen’s way of displaying his patriotism. Everyone regardless of his race, creed or social status should respect and abide by the provisions of this supreme law. If any group is allowed to go against these provisions there is real danger of the nation falling in a state of lawlessness that will only lead to chaos.

Raja Nazrin also rightly pointed out that the Constitution clearly provided for adequate checks and balances against excesses through the separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judicial branches and the many conflicts and social ills that plague us today are due to our disregard of the principles embodied in that sacred document.

There is a need to create awareness of our rights enshrined in the Constitution and these rights must be respected by all groups. Study of the Constitution could be in cooperated into our school curriculum so that our children from a young age be instilled the importance of abiding by the provisions in it. Parents and teachers must impress upon them the importance of the Constitution as the guardian of peace and harmony of the nation.

We share the serious concerns of Raja Nazrin that ethnic and religious identities appear to have become more explicit in recent years and that Malaysians were sadly showing signs of polarisation along these lines. There has been over emphasis on our differences rather than our commonness. I am afraid this unhealthy trend is causing suspicion and even hatred for those from other communities, despite all being Malaysians.

The government should be more serious in putting a check on the deteriorating race relations in the country which is at its ebb in fifty years. We would be in a state of denial, if we assume it is excellent, just because there are no riots like in many other countries.

Ethnic integration and harmony must be seen as an asset by all citizens. The government should take proactive measures, not only to check racial disintegration but also to enhance its integration at all levels, schools, universities and places of work by providing greater opportunities for the various races to mingle and interact freely.

Raja Nazrin call should act as a reminder for leaders at all levels to refrain from capitalizing on racial issues for political mileage. They must put the interest of the nation above their own. Instead of emphasizing on our differences they must repeatedly stress at the many similarities that bind us as Malaysians.

All of us, regardless of race or creed, have an important role to steer the nation in the direction of moderation and tolerance. If we want to show patriotism to the nation, there is no better way to do that than abiding by the provisions of the Constitution and actively participating in endeavors to rid the nation of racism, in whatever form it may take. For lasting peace and harmony, there is only one way – the rule of law must be supreme and it must prevail and safeguarded at all times and at all costs.

Dr.Chris Anthony