Why reinvent the social contract, say two academics

[superadmin]

PETALING JAYA: Two academics say the Federal Constitution and Rukun Negara, two of Malaysia’s most fundamental documents, are enough to lay the groundwork to redefine the nation’s future.

Chandra Muzaffar and Denison Jayasooria said there was no need to reinvent the wheel by setting up a new National Consultative Council (NCC) to set the nation’s course through a new social contract.

Prominent banker Nazir Razak, son of Malaysia’s second prime minister Abdul Razak Hussein, had recently proposed that a new social contract be drawn up.

However, Chandra, a political scientist and social activist, said the Federal Constitution and the Rukun Negara were very good documents which provide the basis for strengthening unity among the people and overcoming major challenges.

“The only problem is that we need to be sincere and honest in trying to give meaning to these two documents. Looking at the constitution, it’s quite balanced in terms of recognising rights, aspirations and so on.

“While Islam is the official religion of the federation under the constitution, freedom of worship for other religions is also guaranteed. So there’s a balance that’s realistic and based upon the realities of our society,” he said.


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