PARLIAMENT | Deputy National Unity Minister R Yuneswaran said that protection for Malay privileges is enshrined in the Federal Constitution and is not subject to having a particular political party in power.
He was responding to a question from RSN Rayer (Harapan-Jelutong), who referred to a recent statement by former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin claiming that only Umno could protect the interests of the Malay-Muslim community.
During question time in the Dewan Rakyat today, Yuneswaran (above) emphasised that the Federal Constitution is the supreme law of the land, adding that provisions relating to protected matters cannot be changed easily as any amendments require a two-thirds majority in Parliament and must go through an extensive process.
He also urged politicians to refrain from making divisive statements on constitutional matters, stressing their responsibility as policymakers to promote national unity.
"We have to be very alert and careful (in making statements that touch upon) any issues (related to) articles clearly provided for in the Constitution," he told the Dewan Rakyat this morning.
Constitutional supremacy is a legal principle that establishes the constitution as the highest legal authority in Malaysia.
This renders any law or contract that violates the constitution null and void, as per Article 4(1) of the Federal Constitution.
On Sunday, Khairy called on Malay-Muslim voters in Negeri Sembilan to return their support for BN in the upcoming state polls, claiming that caretaker menteri besar Aminuddin Harun had failed to protect the community's interests.
Pointing to the racial composition of Pakatan Harapan representatives in the state assembly, Khairy said the Malay-Muslims benefited from the previous state government as it had 14 Umno lawmakers to represent the group's interests.
The former Rembau MP also accused Aminuddin of being powerless and under DAP's control, which holds the most seats among Harapan parties.
BN-Harapan pact
Harapan and BN had gone into the 2023 Negeri Sembilan state election under an electoral pact to avoid clashes and won 17 and 14 seats, respectively.
Of Harapan’s 17, DAP held 11, PKR had five, and Amanah one.
Together, the coalitions formed a state government, while Perikatan Nasional remained in the opposition after only winning five seats.
However, the relationship between Harapan and BN in Negeri Sembilan soured in April following a royal dispute between the state's four territorial chiefs and its ruler, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.
The state BN accused Aminuddin of failing to manage the issue properly, leading to its 14 lawmakers withdrawing their support for the menteri besar.
Their attempt to topple Aminuddin, however, failed after an intervention by the federal Harapan and BN leadership. - Mkini
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