Federal Constitution gets a royal boost

The press came out strongly in support of Raja Nazrin’s clarion call to defend the integrity of nation building under the framework of the Federal Constitution. That was at the heart of his speech at the opening of the Young Malaysians' Roundtable Discussion on National Unity and Development in Malaysia: Prospects and Challenges for Nation Building, organized by the Bar Council and ASLI’s Centre for Public Policy Studies. I wasn’t able to be there, but managed to get a few homeschoolers – including my 2 sons (Ethan's take here) – to attend.

Raja Nazrin: M'sians must defend, promote integrity of Constitution
Cindy Tham
KUALA LUMPUR (April 3, 2007): All Malaysians must defend and promote the integrity of the Federal Constitution, the Raja Muda of Perak Raja Nazrin Shah said today.

The Raja Muda listed this as one of seven things Malaysia has to do to ensure it continues to be successful at nation building.

"All Malaysians, regardless of race and religion, have a place in this nation, and society must recognise that they share a common home and responsibility to build the nation together.

"Malaysians of all races, religions, and geographic locations need to believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that they have a place under the Malaysian sun.

"Only when each citizen believes he or she has a common home and is working towards a common destiny, will he or she make the sacrifices needed for the long haul."

He said the Constitution, the Rukun Negara and Vision 2020 encapsulated the rights, hopes and aspirations of the people.

He stressed that the integrity of these documents, especially the Constitution, must be defended and promoted. [More ]

(Full speech here)

Also read the Star's report here. I eagerly anticipate more commentary and reiteration of Raja Nazrin's keynote address in the coming days. All Malaysians, and particularly the youth, need to know these are not empty sounds of clanging cymbals. The alternative is dire otherwise.