KUALA LUMPUR: A former law minister has called for discussions on Article 153 of the Federal Constitution which touches on Bumiputera privileges.
"Policies that cater to disadvantaged groups or the less fortunate have to be dynamic and subject to review," said Datuk Zaid Ibrahim in a Facebook post, adding a review did not mean dismantling the provision.
He said the government could always refer to data to see in which sectors the Bumiputeras still lagged behind non-Malays.
Zaid was commenting on Pasir Gudang member of Parliament Hassan Karim's suggestion for a review of Article 153.
The PKR man had raised concerns that the policy could have been hijacked and manipulated by certain elites.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said there was no need to review the provision and that the government will continue to uphold the Federal Constitution. (https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/02/1015427/anwar-no-need-review-... )
Zaid said he believed discussions on Article 153 should have been held a long time ago.
"Article 153 is not only about the Malays and others. It is also about Malays with other Malays.
"An unexamined and distorted view of Article 153 has caused irreparable damage to the section of Bumiputeras, who are less 'special than others'."
He said the unwillingness to talk about Article 153 polarised Malaysians, making it impossible to have a shared understanding and acceptance of Article 153.
"Article 153 can be our source of strength and a weakness that can destroy us. We must be willing to talk to one another about it.
"We can also take the easy way and push the issue under the carpet as we have done for many years."