A minister has stressed the importance of all quarters to respect the country's constitutional system to ensure continued stability and racial harmony.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Zaid Ibrahim said they must not demand more rights than those provided for in the Federal Constitution, according to Bernama.

"This is the concept. Whatever our thinking, ideology and understanding, we must respect the law.

nep race relations forum 270107 zaid ibrahim "If we go over the limit, the country will not be safe," he told reporters after launching a sports carnival in Kota Baru today.

Covered all aspects

The minister was responding to Kelantan Menteri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz Mat's suggestion yesterday that the Malay Rulers explain "ketuanan Melayu" (Malay sovereignty) to the people as there were individuals bold enough to question it.

Nik Aziz had said that if the Malay Rulers chose to be silent on this issue, it would continue to be raised and questioned by certain quarters for their own interest.

DAP chairperson Karpal Singh recently questioned the powers of the Perak Sultan in ordering the reinstatement of the state Islamic Religious Affairs Department director which has offended the Malays who regard it as challenging Malay rights.

Zaid said all quarters must abide by the provisions in the Federal Constitution as they covered all aspects, including the rights of the Malays and other races in this country, adding that if they all demand for rights outside the constitution, it may cause tension and friction.