The Constitution is what sets the guidelines for a country. It lays out the system of government, based on the principles that the country should be governed under; rules and guidelines mutually agreed by the powers and the people. This was the principle that our country’s founding fathers too had in mind when framing our Constitution. This sentiment is clearly exemplified in the words of Bapa Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra when reading out the Proclamation of Independence in Kuala Lumpur, where he pledged that Malaya (later Malaysia) “shall be forever a sovereign democratic and independent State founded upon the principles of liberty and justice and ever seeking the welfare and happiness of its people and the maintenance of a just peace among all nations”.

Fifty-one years down the road, it is time to look back at our Constitution and reflect whether the legal, political and social landscape that our insightful and far-sighted founding fathers envisioned has materialised, and whether the Constitution has served its purpose and objective well. Sadly though, while the Constitution remains the salient feature, in a nation like Malaysia where the lens of race and religion so often colour perceptions, we see the continuing subversion of the Constitution as the supreme law of the nation. Due to this, many till today are still denied some of their most fundamental rights.

While the Constitution has thus far proved successful in providing an excellent foundation for nation-building, we are increasingly experiencing a crisis of confidence over its values and principles the true spirit of the Constitution has slowly been tainted, as a result of a lack of information and understanding, as well as ideological motivation. Speaking about the Constitution over the years has continued to being forth resistance or cause confusion, especially among the younger generation. This is largely due to the fact that the Constitution has been amended and interpreted by various quarters to fit their individual agenda.

Lately, doubts and questions regarding the fundamental principles of the Constitution have been emerging, and are questioned by many. If this situation is left unaddressed, it will lead to disunity and racial tensions that can undermine the peace and harmony that have all this while brought Malaysia progress, development and success.

As such, ERA Consumer Malaysia feels there is a vital need to continue our efforts to raise public awareness and understanding about the Constitution of Malaysia as part of our wider Human Rights Education programme. Malaysians of all strata need to realise how the Constitution defines our rights as citizens, and how it affects our daily lives.

Therefore, it is our sincere hope that this module seeks to clear some of the myths, and answer many of the questions. that are being asked these days. Its purpose is to contribute to the process of raising awareness about the fundamental principles of the Constitution, and the history behind manual is designed not only to present information on the various Articles in the Constitution but also to be used as an important resource book. It also our hope that the training we intend to conduct will help to promote a culture of respect and understanding of the Constitution, which guarantees equal protection for every person in multi-racial, multi-religious Malaysia.