I have today sent invitation to political parties, professional, civic, religious and human rights organizations and MPs to a Parliamentary Roundtable on Friday 10th August 2007 in Parliament at 10 am to reaffirm the Merdeka social contract and the Malaysia Agreement on the occasion of the 50th Merdeka anniversary the fundamental nation-building principle that Malaysia is a secular state with Islam as the official religion and not an Islamic state.
I am also issuing an Open Invitation to all Malaysian organisations and citizens to the Parliamentary Roundtable as follows:
Dear Malaysian,
OPEN INVITATION to Parliamentary Roundtable on Friday 10th August 2007 to reaffirm Merdeka social contract and Malaysia Agreement on the occasion of 50th Merdeka anniversary that Malaysia is a secular state with Islam as official religion and not an Islamic state
_______________________________________When Malaya achieved independence in 1957 and Malaysia was formed six years later in 1963, a national social compact was reached that the nation shall be a secular state with Islam as the official religion and not an Islamic State.
The Merdeka social contract and Malaysia Agreement that Malaysia is a secular state with Islam as the official religion and not an Islamic state was given expression in the Federal Constitution, articulated by the founding fathers of the nation including the first three Prime Ministers, Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Razak and Tun Hussein and given full recognition by the highest court in the land.
For over four decades, there was national consensus of the secular character of Malaysian nation-building which was only disrupted in the past six years, raising questions about the national commitment to protect and sustain this fundamental cornerstone of Malaysian nation-building.
A Parliamentary Roundtable to reaffirm the Merdeka social contract and the Malaysia Agreement that the nation is a secular state with Islam as the official religion and not an Islamic state is being convened in Parliament on Friday, 10th August 2007 at 10 am. (Bilik Taklimat)
This is to send out a clear and unequivocal message on the occasion of the 50th Merdeka anniversary of the nation in 2007 that the Merdeka social contract and the Malaysia Agreement that Malaysia is a secular state with Islam as the official religion and not an Islamic state must continue to be the bedrock of the Malaysian nation-building process.
You are invited to the Parliamentary Roundtable to endorse the reaffirmation of the Merdeka social contract and Malaysia Agreement that Malaysia is a secular state with Islam as the official religion and not an Islamic state.
I apologise for the shortness of time. Kindly inform my office of your ability to accept this invitation or your representative to the Parliamentary Roundtable by Wednesday, 8th August 2007. (Contact persons Lau Weng San 016-3231563, 03-79578022; Wong Chow Onn 016-2681483).
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
Lim Kit Siang
Opposition Leader
Parliament
1st August 2007
The invitation should extend to members of other embassies as observers. Let them witness the open, exchange of idea in a free democratic society.
When Malaysia was formed and Tunku cried the “Merdeka, Merdeka, Merdeka” there were dignitaries and representatives from around the world witnessed the events.
We want to show the world we are a law abiding, constitution bound, upright, corruption free country.
Who were the original framers or drafters of the Federal Constitution? If they are still alive, can YB include them for the Roundtable. They would be able to lend some insights into the spirit and letter of the Constitution.
It would be good if some of those actively participating in the political process at the time of the formation of Malaya could be invited too.
Oh, Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore was then a Malayan and was around too. Invite him. Or teleconference him. Or get him to write in ST S’pore on how he understood the positions then.
What does pro-establishment historian, Prof Khoo KAy Kim have to say?
Wow, the roundtable will be exciting!
A rountable for something fair and square?
50 years of BN rule has yet to see the realization of even one of the traits listed below
http://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/newsncom.php?itemid=6926
Raja Nazrin outlined five traits needed for a decent social order which would produce social norms and behaviour that were fundamentally efficient, productive and just. They were:
• A social order that led to cohesion within and among communities and called for horizontal equity whereby all Malaysians in equal circumstances were treated in exactly the same way;
• Malaysians of all races and religions engaging one another with absolute civility and respect;
• Malaysians feeling a deep-seated sense of ownership over the problems of the country and being motivated to take decisive action and make whatever sacrifices necessary for the good of the country;
• Only Malaysians who were capable, hard working, bold and scrupulously honest being allowed to serve in positions of responsibility; and,
• The public having a high degree of trust in the pillars of state, the executive, judiciary and legislature, as well as the civil service and police.
We don’t see this happening in Malaysia, but in true democracies, politicians under investigation have to step down until the probe is completed.
http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=6868329
A day after his home was searched by federal agents there were calls tonight for Sen. Ted Stevens to step down from his committee assignments until the federal probe is completed…at least four House members have stepped down from committee seats while part of a federal investigation…
The powerless ordinary people are waiting for good, responsible and honest leaders to come forward to protect them and the country from grossly dishonest, irresponsible and incompetent leader/s.
Besides Mr. Lim and others, the royal of Raja Petra and Raja Nazrin are doing their part.
Daulat Tuanku!
Paying RM1.1billion to motivate school children?!
http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=18782
Now the government wants to spend RM1.1billion on motivational courses for students throughout the country, according to Deputy Information Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, yes RM1.1 billion. Should this not be part of the school curriculum instance – in subjects like moral studies? And instilled via extra-curricular participative, activities like school sports and games? What kind of motivational course is going to cost RM1.1 billion?
Are you sure that such an discussion is allowed in Bolehland ? You will find the Bilik Taklimat locked on the day of the event.
Also be aware of the gatecrashers a la APCET II or the Article 11 forums.
“Who were the original framers or drafters of the Federal Constitution? If they are still alive, can YB include them for the Roundtable. They would be able to lend some insights into the spirit and letter of the Constitution.” HORNBILL
Assuming they are still walking among us, they’d be too senile to remember. It would be like Reagan who asked how he came to be President.
In this case, the drafters responsible for the original and final draft of what later came to be referred to as the Federal Constitution of Malaya 1957 (mutilated beyond recognition and morphed into the Federal Constitution of Malaysia 1957) would probably deny ever sitting at the round table talks of that year. Let alone remember ever being part of the REID Commission.
Dear Malaysians,
Please remember too that a vote for MCA, MIC, Gerakan, PPP, SUPP, PBS is a vote for Islamic State under Mahathir’s 929 declaration and Najib’s 717 declaration. That’s why I appealed to ALL Malaysians that they should attend the August 10 Parliamentary Roundtable in Parliament at 10.00am to reaffirm the 50 years nation building principle that Malaysia is a secular state with Islam as the official religion.
I read this on Berita Harian dated 1/8/2007. I fear there is a trend in revisionism and preaching falsehood about Malaysian social contract and the Constitution.
http://www.bharian.com.my/m/BHarian/Wednesday/Agama/20070801003115/Article/
Peguam Syarie menulis: Sejarah bukti Malaysia bukan negara sekular
Oleh Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar dan Nurhidayah Muhd Hashim
PERSOALAN Perlembagaan Persekutuan bersifat sekular atau tidak, kembali diperkatakan baru-baru ini rentetan pengumuman Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Razak yang menegaskan Malaysia sebuah negara Islam.
Jika diimbau kembali, isu itu sudah diperkatakan bekas Perdana Menteri Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad ketika menerajui pimpinan negara. Begitu juga Perdana Menteri sekarang, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi turut memperkenalkan manhaj Islam Hadhari di Malaysia dan mendapat sokongan ramai, termasuk masyarakat bukan Islam.
Namun, kepemimpinan MCA mempertikaikan kesahihan negara Islam ini dengan mengutarakan laporan Suruhanjaya Reid dan keputusan Mahkamah Agong mengatakan Perlembagaan Persekutuan adalah bersifat sekular.
Kenyataan itu dibidas Ketua Pemuda Umno, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein dan timbalannya, Khairy Jamaluddin.
Polemik ini perlu diselesaikan secara ilmiah, profesional dan berhemah berdasarkan fakta sejarah dan hakikat yang berlaku di negara kita.
Mengikut sejarah, laporan Suruhanjaya Reid ada menyatakan kemasukan fasal Islam adalah agama bagi Persekutuan tidak menjejaskan sifat sekular Perlembagaan. Adakah kita terikat semata-mata kepada hasrat penggubal Perlembagaan itu yang rata-ratanya bukan rakyat Malaysia.
Perdana Menteri pertama, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra al-Haj juga berpendirian sedemikian. Malah, penghakiman Tun Salleh Abas dalam kes Che Omar Che Soh menafsirkan Islam dalam Perkara 3 itu terhad kepada aspek ritual dan rasmi saja.
Namun, jika diperhalusi, Perlembagaan Persekutuan sebenarnya memperuntukkan banyak fasal mengenai agama Islam. Umpamanya Perkara 3 menegaskan tanpa keraguan bahawa Islam adalah agama Persekutuan.
Negara sekular seperti Perancis, Turki dan India menyatakan dengan jelas dalam perlembagaan mereka bahawa negara itu adalah negara sekular tanpa merujuk kepada sebarang agama. Ia itu tidak berlaku di dalam Perlembagaan dengan wujudnya Perkara 3 tadi.
Jika Perlembagaan adalah sekular tentu Perkara 3 itu ditiadakan, malah ada banyak fasal lain yang memberi keistimewaan dan kedudukan tinggi agama Islam. Ia mustahil berlaku dalam sebuah negara sekular.
Sebuah negara sekular tidak boleh mengeluarkan dana awam bagi perkembangan sesuatu agama kerana ia bertentangan dengan prinsip sekularisme. Namun, di Malaysia, Kerajaan Persekutuan dan kerajaan negeri memperuntukkan ratusan juta ringgit bagi pengembangan dan kemajuan agama Islam, sama ada untuk pembinaan masjid, peruntukan jabatan berkaitan agama Islam dan banyak lagi.
Tindakan kerajaan selaras dengan peruntukan Perlembagaan yang membenarkan dana awam digunakan bagi pembangunan agama Islam seperti diperuntukkan Perlembagaan dan sekali gus menjadi bukti Islam mendapat tempat istimewa dalam Perlembagaan.
Perkara 11(4) Perlembagaan pula memberi kuasa kepada Dewan Undangan Negeri dan Parlimen bagi Wilayah-wilayah Persekutuan membuat undang-undang mengawal dan menyekat penyebaran agama bukan Islam di kalangan umat Islam.
Adalah mustahil dalam sebuah negara bersifat sekular keistimewaan itu diberikan kepada sesebuah agama. Hal ini dengan sendiri menafikan hujah Perlembagaan adalah perlembagaan sekular.
Malah, dengan pindaan Perlembagaan pada 1988 menyatakan bahawa Mahkamah Sivil tidak mempunyai bidang kuasa mengganggu keputusan Mahkamah Syariah, sekali gus menaikkan kedudukan agama Islam dan Mahkamah Syariah walaupun ada kalangan masyarakat tidak berpuas hati dengan kedudukan ini. Sekali lagi keistimewaan diberikan kepada agama Islam.
Malah, dalam banyak keadaan lain, agama Islam dirujuk dan diiktiraf. Ia termasuk dalam sumpah jawatan Yang di-Pertuan Agong dan Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong juga menggunakan format dengan menyebut nama Allah seperti lafaz wallahi wabillahi watallahi.
Ia adalah sumpah syarie mengikut lunas undang-undang syariah. Dengan menggunakan nama Allah, kedua-dua baginda berazam akan mempertahankan agama Islam di negara ini.
Contoh itu adalah sebahagian contoh membidas hujahan pihak yang mengatakan Malaysia sebuah negara sekular secara total. Pelbagai perkara berlaku selepas Perlembagaan dipinda selepas kemerdekaan negara menjurus kepada peninggalan sifat sekular negara.
Adalah jelas Perlembagaan dan negara Malaysia bukan negara sekular dalam erti kata sekular itu sendiri. Negara sekular memisahkan agama daripada perundangan dan pentadbiran.
Negara sekular meminggirkan agama dalam mengejar kemajuan.
Negara sekular tidak memberi keistimewaan langsung kepada sebarang agama dalam menjalankan aktiviti agama mereka. Perkara itu tidak berlaku di Malaysia.
Persoalan kedua, apakah Malaysia sebuah negara Islam dalam erti kata sebenarnya? Perbincangan disambung minggu depan.
Penulis ialah Presiden dan Exco Persatuan Peguam Syarie Malaysia (PGSM). Sebarang komentar boleh dihantar ke [email protected]
Isn’t there a gag order not to debate “Najib’s 717 declaration”? How is it that this Syarie lawyer dares post his views in a major newspaper on the subject? Can we lodge a police report or cite him to the Internal Security minister?
Yellowkingdom says:
“Isn’t there a gag order not to debate “Najib’s 717 declarationâ€Â? ”
No surprise. UMNO’s principle of administration is ‘Do what I say, don’t do what I do!’
Since when has UMNO’s words been trustworthy (i.e.dependable), truthful (i.e. no giddy spin-mongering), transparent (i.e. not an opaque mixture of half-baked truths, half-baked lies and over-cooked yucky mess!).
Some people swear that UMNO is a den of thieves. I would be a little less disparaging. I’d just say there is not a speck of honour amongst thieves. And should Malaysians trust the nation’s weal and coffers to men we would not trust with our mother’s purses.
So, let’s vote BN out!
Vote DAP/PKR in the next GE.
Hi uncle lim,
so you mean we can walk in to parliament on that day at that time? our cars are not suppose to enter isn’t it? so we should park somewhere further? any suggestion on place to park? i am not lazy to walk, but just can’t seems to know of any parking place except the roadside (which is open to summon)…
give us more of the details…let us put it on our blog and spread the word around…give us more of the details…maybe someone could just make some posters….hehe
[Please register by Wednesday 8th August 2007, giving the necessary particulars, if you wish to attend the Parliamentary Roundtable to get parliamentary security clearance. Contact persons Lau Weng San 016-3231563, 03-79578022; Wong Chow Onn 016-2681483. Kit]
If the country is an Islamic state or becoming one, BN leaders had betrayed the country and her ordinary people – Muslims and non Muslims alike.
How could they face the non Malays, in particular bumi non Malays who had been in the country for thousands of years? Islam is very young in the country…about 450 years old.
The problem is not the religion but its militancy, extremism, fundamentalism and political aspects which are causing a lot of problems all around the world.
When a long expired leader at that time claimed the country is an Islamic state to achieve his narrow, short sighted and personal agendas, political and religious opportunists and extremists took full advantage of the weak and bad leadership to implement their damaging and hidden agendas.
Like many other issues, religion is an excuse to gain power and wealth at the great expense of a multi religious country.
Dear all,
Please be informed that you can enter the Parliament house and park your car inside to attend the Parliamentary Roundtable to reaffirm Malaysia is a secular state and not an Islamic State.
The Security Department of the Parliament House is informed of the event. After parking your vehicles in the Parliament House, please proceed to the main entrance at the Chamber.
Once you arrive at the main entrance, you will be asked to scan your body for security purpose. After that, please exchange for a visitor pass. Our staffs will lead you to Bilik Taklimat. Signage will be set up in different places.
Please call me at 016-3231563 for any queries.
MALAYSIAKINI:
“Minister breaks rank on Islamic state ”
Aug 2, 07 12:04pm Adjust font size:
A senior cabinet minister broke ranks today on the Islamic state issue by arguing that the nation’s founders did not have that in mind when the Federation of Malaysia was formed in 1963.
“I hope my colleagues in the government can forgive me for saying that I do not agree that we are an Islamic state,†said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Bernard Dompok, who hailed from Sabah.
I salute Tan Sri Bernard Dompok for his courage to stand up openly and said what he must and need to say without fear or favour!!! All those who are in high places should make their stand known and not just keep quiet!! (quote for President Bush: “If you are not with me, you are against me (even if you keep quiet!!)” for what ever I said may not carry any weight but those who are Tengku, RAJA, TUN, TAN SRI, DATUK, MPs, Cabiner Ministers etc.. what they say means a lot to all Malaysians…if you dont do it openly, at least write or call the PM, DPM to express your views immediately!!!
Our Nation must adopt TAR Policies – ‘Transparency, Accountability & Responsibility’.
http://sobnation.wordpress.com/2007/08/02/nation-must-adopt-tar-policies-transparency-accountability-responsibility/#more-36