Teach Federal Constitution in school

 

The recent discussion about the Federal Constitution and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s advice to Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Nor to seek to understand the constitution underscores the need to introduce the study of the Federal Constitution as a subject in school.

Most of us are unaware of the importance of the constitution to our lives. We take it for granted, as we do so many things, until we, or someone we know, are affected; or when it makes the news, like the cases of children being unilaterally converted to Islam.

You and I, as citizens, can buy and own a house without fear of it being taken away by someone or some authority because Article 13 (1) of the Federal Constitution says: “No person shall be deprived of property save in accordance with law.” Article 13 (2) adds: “No law shall provide for the compulsory acquisition or use of property without adequate compensation.”

You and I can travel anywhere in the country as and when we like not because we can drive or take public transport but because freedom of movement is guaranteed under Article 9(2) of the constitution. Subject to certain conditions such as that involving national security, it says: “… every citizen has the right to move freely throughout the Federation and to reside in any part thereof.”

You and I can express our opinions freely, although within the confines of the law, because the constitution guarantees it. Article 10 (1) states that subject to certain conditions, “… (a) every citizen has the right to freedom of speech and expression; (b) all citizens have the right to assemble peaceably and without arms; (c) all citizens have the right to form associations.”

If we can all practise our own religions, it is not because the government is kind or our religion is great. It is because Article 3 (1) of the Federal Constitution states: “Islam is the religion of the Federation; but other religions may be practised in peace and harmony in any part of the Federation”.

So the constitution is not some document that is referred to only by lawmakers or lawyers. It is a living document which impacts our lives on a day-to-day basis. Except we do not realise it.

Many of us talk about the nation, the political and economic challenges it faces, Bumiputera privileges, the rights of minorities and such with just a superficial understanding of the constitution; and sometimes with none.

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I believe some of the major problems – especially those to do with governance, race relations and citizenship responsibilities – are largely a result of a lack of, or poor, understanding of our constitution, not just by ordinary Malaysians but more so by executives in the civil service and politicians holding power.

Governance can be improved if all those holding power are acutely aware of at least the major Articles of the constitution – especially about the powers they wield on behalf of the people and the limits on them – and the spirit in which the constitution was drafted.

Learning about the constitution will awaken the realisation that the Constitution recognises Malaysia as a multicultural and multireligious democratic nation which affords everyone an equal place.

It will show that the constitution has served us well by preserving peace and amity among a diverse population with various demands and needs because it was framed with huge doses of compromise and accommodation, and the inherent belief that all are equal before the law.

I sometimes think the reason governments have not been keen on educating the public on the constitution – especially not introducing it as a subject in schools – is that it will be that much more difficult to control an informed citizenry.

It is so much easier to control people who are ignorant of their rights and the limits on the government’s might. It is so much easier to get away with bad governance – including corruption – if responsibilities that go with office are ignored or sidelined and the governed are none the wiser.

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If every citizen is aware that the constitution, for instance, defines the powers of government and the limits to such power and that it gives voice to the fundamental liberties to be enjoyed by citizens, the government and its agencies may not have an easy time.

But we have a new government in power, one that claims to be reformist and citizen-friendly. If this is so, then, I think, this government should take it upon itself to educate the public about the constitution – at least its fundamentals.

Then, we can hope to have more responsible citizens – not just citizens who think their responsibility ends when they vote once in five years or pay their taxes – and more effective and humble governance.

The government should undertake a massive exercise to educate the public, especially students from primary school right up to university.

It’s not enough to incorporate some elements into subjects such as moral education or history as is being done now. The constitution is too important a document to be stuffed here and there in the school curriculum and perhaps taught diligently only if time permits.

Let’s have a special non-examination subject on the Federal Constitution and citizenship in schools. Such a subject should incorporate events that led to the drafting of the constitution by our founding fathers with an emphasis on the shared destiny spirit with which this was undertaken.

Every student who completes school must have knowledge of the basic principles and spirit of the Federal Constitution – that should be the goal.

And let us send civil servants, including teachers, for courses on understanding the constitution and what it says about governance and powers entrusted to them on behalf of citizens. Teachers of religion and preachers too should be made to attend short courses on the Federal Constitution.

A better understanding of the Federal Constitution – especially its spirit – by everyone will help steer the nation to greater peace and progress.

For instance, the realisation that the constitution recognises Malaysia as a multireligious and multicultural nation and that it offers an equal place for all citizens can spur a better sense of belonging, accommodation and acceptance – and more inclusive policies.

For instance, learning about the position of the Malay rulers can result in a greater understanding of this pillar of the nation and the need to respect it.

Also, by becoming aware of the underlying message of unity in diversity and the unstated yet clear line of moderation that runs through the constitution, people may take the middle path and really work together towards a shared destiny. - FMT

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.