Article 11 submits 20,000 signatures to PM
Arfa'eza A AzizPublished: Jun 23, 2006 11:52 AM | Updated: Jan 29, 2008 6:21 PM
The Article 11 coalition has submitted an open letter to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi seeking re-assurance from him that Malaysia will not be a theocratic state.
The petition, backed by some 20,000 Malaysians, seeks the government's commitment to defend the Federal Constitution.
The Article 11 coalition has submitted an open letter to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi seeking re-assurance from him that Malaysia will not be a theocratic state.
The letter - "Reaffirming the Supremacy of the Federal Constitution" - supported by some 20,000 signatures from Malaysians was delivered to Abdullah's office in Putrajaya by the coalition yesterday morning. It was received by the prime minister's private secretary.
The coalition representatives - Ramdas Tikamdas of National Human Rights Society, Norhayati Kaprawi from Sisters in Islam and Women's Aid Organisation's Ivy Josiah, Meera Samanther and Vizla Kumaresan - were assured that the letter would be handed over to Abdullah as soon as possible.
In the letter, the coalition which comprises 13 non-governmental organisations seeking to defend constitutional rights in light of recent conflicts with Islam - also called on the government to ensure governance in accordance with the Federal Constitution and premised on the universal values of all Malaysians.
"We call upon the government to recognise the proper position of the judiciary within the constitutional framework as an independent and equal arm of the Government," it stated in the letter.
In a statement today, Article 11 explained that the letter was handed over to Abdullah because the premier is in a "unique" position to ensure adherence to the letter.
"Article 4(1) of the constitution declares the Federal Constitution as the supreme law of the federation and that the oath of office of all parliamentarians, cabinet ministers and judges is to defend the constitution.
"As the head of the government of Malaysia and leader of the largest party in the ruling coalition, the prime minister is uniquely placed to ensure adherence to the letter of the constitution as well as its spirit of democracy, good governance and respect for all," it stated.
Malaysia's blueprint
The coalition said it would continue to educate Malaysians on the importance of the constitution as a blueprint for nation building so as to give life to Article 11 which guarantees the fundamental liberty of every person in Malaysia "to profess and practice his religion".
"Recent events in Penang where a forum was disrupted by belligerent protesters, have shown how misinformation and intolerance were used to stifle rational dialogues."
It also stressed that its signature-drive campaign and forums will continue.
Muslim groups have expressed objections against the forum organised by Article 11 claiming that it was held under the guise of constitutional rights and its actual motive was to tackle matters pertaining to apostasy and conversion out of Islam.
The coalition denied the allegations.
Both groups however have since agreed to hold dialogues to discuss the state of religious freedom in the country.
Meanwhile, PAS' national unity committee head Mujahid Yusuf Rawa said efforts were underway in organising the dialogue with Article 11.
"It will take place in the near future. However at this point of time, it is too early to reveal when and where it will be held. But we are making preparations," he said when contacted.
"It is always healthy for opposing parties to have dialogues. It doesn't mean that we have to accept each other's view but there is a need to exchange ideas as it would lead to a more harmonious environment," Mujahid said.
The letter - "Reaffirming the Supremacy of the Federal Constitution" - supported by some 20,000 signatures from Malaysians was delivered to Abdullah's office in Putrajaya by the coalition yesterday morning. It was received by the prime minister's private secretary.
The coalition representatives - Ramdas Tikamdas of National Human Rights Society, Norhayati Kaprawi from Sisters in Islam and Women's Aid Organisation's Ivy Josiah, Meera Samanther and Vizla Kumaresan - were assured that the letter would be handed over to Abdullah as soon as possible. In the letter, the coalition which comprises 13 non-governmental organisations seeking to defend constitutional rights in light of recent conflicts with Islam - also called on the government to ensure governance in accordance with the Federal Constitution and premised on the universal values of all Malaysians.
"We call upon the government to recognise the proper position of the judiciary within the constitutional framework as an independent and equal arm of the Government," it stated in the letter.
In a statement today, Article 11 explained that the letter was handed over to Abdullah because the premier is in a "unique" position to ensure adherence to the letter.
"Article 4(1) of the constitution declares the Federal Constitution as the supreme law of the federation and that the oath of office of all parliamentarians, cabinet ministers and judges is to defend the constitution.
"As the head of the government of Malaysia and leader of the largest party in the ruling coalition, the prime minister is uniquely placed to ensure adherence to the letter of the constitution as well as its spirit of democracy, good governance and respect for all," it stated. Malaysia's blueprint
The coalition said it would continue to educate Malaysians on the importance of the constitution as a blueprint for nation building so as to give life to Article 11 which guarantees the fundamental liberty of every person in Malaysia "to profess and practice his religion".
"Recent events in Penang where a forum was disrupted by belligerent protesters, have shown how misinformation and intolerance were used to stifle rational dialogues."
It also stressed that its signature-drive campaign and forums will continue.
Muslim groups have expressed objections against the forum organised by Article 11 claiming that it was held under the guise of constitutional rights and its actual motive was to tackle matters pertaining to apostasy and conversion out of Islam.
The coalition denied the allegations.
Both groups however have since agreed to hold dialogues to discuss the state of religious freedom in the country.
Meanwhile, PAS' national unity committee head Mujahid Yusuf Rawa said efforts were underway in organising the dialogue with Article 11. "It will take place in the near future. However at this point of time, it is too early to reveal when and where it will be held. But we are making preparations," he said when contacted.
"It is always healthy for opposing parties to have dialogues. It doesn't mean that we have to accept each other's view but there is a need to exchange ideas as it would lead to a more harmonious environment," Mujahid said.
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