Honour social contract: Mahathir

(Bernama) -- Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said there will be no dispute over rights if Malaysians continue to honour the social contract agreed to by leaders of the various communities.

"We had a formula which had worked very well for 50 years. Why do you want to change it? Why do you want to cause tension between races?" he added.

He was commenting on the presidential address of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at the Umno General Assembly here, where he said that the special rights of the Malays were enshrined in the Federal Constitution and should not be questioned.

Dr Mahathir said that Najib's assertion on the position of the Malays was a timely reminder to the people of the agreement among the leaders of the various races and which had been upheld throughout the years since Independence from the British.

The former Prime Minister said it was important for the people to adhere to what was enshrined in the Federal Constitution and which could not be amended without the consent of the Rulers.

Dr Mahathir said that people who tried to amend the constitution did not appreciate what was involved.

He believes that any attempt to amend articles related to the rights of the Malays was bound to cause racial tension.

Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said that there had been confusion in discussions over the issue.

"But today, the Umno President had made clear (what the issue was about)... and there is no reason why anyone should raise matters to frighten or ridicule."

He feels that Najibm has, with his "enlightening Speech", helped to stop any quarrel over the issue.

MCA President Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the social contract should not be discussed further because it is based on what is enshrined in the constitution.

However, this may cause a bit of controversy among the young who feel that they as Malaysians have a right to debate the matter.

"But I myself feel that if at all the issue is discussed it should be in close forum because of the sensitivities involved," he added.

Chua said that all Malaysians regardless of race or religion should heed the reminder from the Prime Minister and take into consideration the interests and claims of the various communities to preserve stability and solidarity.

MIC President Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said Najib's speech was not only an inspiration to Umno but had also given Barisan component parties new spirit to work together.

"And we can show opposition parties that Barian Nasional is still strong and will become stronger," he added.

Gerakan President Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said the constitution should be looked at in a balanced way, incorporating the rights of all communities, and not be confined to certain articles.

"What is important is that he (Najib) stressed that we share the future based on the concept of 1Malaysia and this is the aspect that we must continue to work at to send a positive and constructive message for all groups and levels," he said.

PPP President Datuk Dr M. Kayveas said the speech was holistic and aimed not only at Umno members but all Malaysians.

He added:"While we want to defend the rights of our own communities we should at the same time defend the rights of all Malaysians based on the concept of 1Malaysia."