FORMER law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has slammed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s response to the call by a PKR lawmaker to review the Bumiputera privileges under Article 153 of the Federal Constitution.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Zaid said Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim did not suggest the provision be dispensed with or taken away.
Rather, Zaid argued that a review meant that Hassan wanted the government to take a critical look and evaluate the effects on policies emanating from the Article in question.
“Hassan’s suggestion is fair and reasonable. Most thinking Malaysians would want that discourse to take place. This is something we should have done long ago since ‘special privileges’ impacted not only the economy but stunted the nation’s growth,” Zaid pointed out.
He further lamented that after 67 years of independence, the fear of talking about Article 153 has brought the nation to a new low and that it’s not just the Ringgit that is dangerously low but the people’s spirit as well.
“We do not lack courage as a people, but why treat (Article) 153 as the elephant in the room that no one wants to discuss?” Zaid questioned.
“It has manifested a deep-seated fear and distrust among the citizens living here despite clear evidence that historically, we have lived together harmoniously for generations.
“(Article) 153 can be our source of strength and a weakness that can destroy us. We must be willing to talk to one another about it. We can also take the easy way and push the issue under the carpet as we have done for many years.
“But remember, a country that is afraid of itself will always be mediocre; it will not flourish. It will never be great. It will be contented with false narratives that leaders brought with them for their benefit.”
Yesterday (Feb 20) Anwar said the government will not review the position of Article 153 despite calls by Hassan to do so, adding that the government will defend the position of the Article which outlines the privileges of Bumiputera.
Hassan had previously called for a review of Bumiputera privileges under Article 153 as he questioned if it had benefited the intended group.
He had also raised concerns if the policy had been hijacked and manipulated by certain Bumiputera elites.
Article 153 of the Federal Constitution states that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is responsible for safeguarding the special position of the Malays and natives of Sabah and Sarawak. – Feb 21, 2024
