I refer to the Malaysiakini report Tengku Faris: Non-Malays should not seek equality .

It is very disturbing that Tengku Faris, the future Sultan of Kelantan and possibly Yang di-Pertuan Agong uttered such words, as the fundamental role of the monarchy is to protect all Malaysians regardless of religion or race. However, with the monarchy playing a more active role in nation-building as exemplified by the Regent of Perak, HRH Raja Nazrin Shah, it is only natural to have conflicting views from the monarchy.

Nonetheless, Malaysians believe (or hope to believe) that Tengku Faris has been wrongly advised or misinformed of the actual political situation in Malaysia, as his speech sounds more like speeches made during Umno meetings.

The constitution in Malaysia is unique. Article 8 (1) of the Federal Constitution states that ‘All persons are equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law’. Thus, all citizens, regardless of religion or race, have equal rights under citizenship such as the right to vote, access to education, etc.

However, Article 153 talks about the special position of the Malays/bumiputeras and the reservation of positions in the public service, scholarships and other similar educational or training privileges or special facilities for the Malays/bumiputeras. However, Article 153 has a caveat that such reservation shall not deprive any person of any public office or of the continuance of any scholarship or other educational or training privileges or special facilities.

In addition, Article 136 states: ‘All persons of whatever race in the same grade in the service of the Federation shall, subject to the terms and conditions of their employment, be treated impartially’.

Thus, if read in totality, the federal constitution accords equal protection to all citizens but has accorded a special position for the Malays/bumiputeras. The non-Malays/non-bumiputeras have always accepted the special position of the Malays/bumiputeras and the Islam as the official religion of the country and have never questioned this.

What the non-Malays/non-bumiputeras are merely asking for is equality as enshrined in the federal constitution.

And it is an error to equate Malay unity as votes for Umno. Malay Unity or any ‘community unity’ for that matter, means that the community shares common aspirations such as education and employment opportunities for their future generations, feeling safe at home and in public and a strong and resilient economy, etc.

However, this does not mean that the entire community must agree with all the aspirations or with the ways to achieve those aspirations. This is the fundamental principle of a democratic society. There must always be ground for disagreement but fundamentally, the aspirations of the community are similar among the members.

On the same note, it is also wrong to equate ‘Chinese unity’ or even ‘Indian unity’ with votes for MCA or MIC. Malaysians (Malays and non-Malays) have never been so united since independence and this show of ‘unity’ was demonstrated in the 12GE.

Tengku Faris also said ‘the Malays are the natives ( penduduk asal ) of Malaysia, and every Malay must defend the constitution and Islam and this can only be achieved through Malay unity’.

It is the duty of every citizen, Malays and non-Malay alike to defend the constitution and the country should the need arise.

One fine day, Tengku Faris will be the Sultan of Kelantan and possibly the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Malaysians hope that when that day comes, Tengku Faris will be a fair and just Sultan/ Yang di-Pertuan Agong for which all Malaysians will shout with pride and joy, ‘ Daulat Tuanku !’