Malay forum revives social contract talk, says kindness forgotten

Ragananthini Vethasalam Mohd Farhan Darwis Ragananthini Vethasalam, Mohd Farhan Darwis Updated 4 years ago · Published on 6 Oct 2019 11:39AM · 18 Comments

Dr Zainal Kling, chief executive of the Malay Dignity Congress secretariat, says Islam is the constitutional religion, and not merely an official state religion. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Seth Akmal, October 6, 2019.

THE old argument of a social contract under threat by “certain quarters” has come up again, with the Malay Dignity Congress organiser today saying the community’s kindness has been forgotten.

Professor Emeritus Dr Zainal Kling, chief executive of the congress’ secretariat, repeated that although many non-Malays have been given citizenship, some have deviated from the social contract negotiated by the nation’s founding fathers.

“Despite our kindness, there are people who have been deviant, there are people who want to play us, there are people who want disturb our pride, there are people who want to put Islam down, there are people who mock our rulers and our standing.

“They have turned away from the social contract that we have built as the fundamental law of this country, called the constitution.

“Although we have given citizenship to all who are present here today, with past history in mind, there are quarters who have gone against our good deeds, our grace and the social contract,” he told a packed Malawati Stadium in Shah Alam.

He said Malays, who first settled here 5,000 years ago, have built the country and protected its sovereignty.

He also reminded that Islam is the constitutional religion, and not merely an official state religion.

Breaking down the etymology of the word “Malaysia”, Zainal said “sia” means “islands” in Greek, hence, “Malaysia” means “the land of Malays”.

This is similar to other countries, such as Thailand, India, China and Germany, which are named after ethnic groups, he said.

Today’s congress will see resolutions on the economy, politics, education, religion and culture, mooted by student leaders, being forwarded to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The event is organised by Universiti Malaya’s Malay Excellence Studies Centre, in collaboration with UiTM, Universiti Putra Malaysia and Sultan Idris Education University.

“We invited Dr Mahathir not because we do not appreciate and respect other leaders, but at this juncture, it is only Dr Mahathir who is able to execute many of the resolutions that have been put forward,” said Zainal.

Also present at the stadium are politicians from both sides of the divide. – October 6, 2019.

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Comments

  • And he called himself a professor?

    Posted 4 years ago by Ngek Seong Guok · Reply

  • Sudah lah. Orang semua di panggil orang China, orang America, orang Thailand. Baru boleh maju.

    Posted 4 years ago by Penganalisa L · Reply

  • 5000 yrs is his own written History.

    Posted 4 years ago by Maniraju Maruthai · Reply

  • Who is the kleoptocrate? Najib not a Malay? Who Stole the billions and park overseas? What muslim can't practise in Malaysia in true islamic teaching? Govt built all the mosques and surau but non muslims have to their places of warship with their own money. Who actually has forgotten our kindness? Every time u as a professor points a finger, there are at least 3 fingers pointing at yourself.

    Posted 4 years ago by James Wong · Reply

  • So all the non-White people in the US and UK including Muslim minorities are not American or British? The social contract is not mentioned in the Constitution. It was a political construct of UMNO politicians.The Constitution only provides for the special position of the Malays and natives of Sabah and Sarawak. It does not talk about rights or supremacy of one particular race over others. If the Malays refused to agree to citenzhip for the non-Malays in 1957, the British had no intention of giving Malaya independence.

    Posted 4 years ago by Gerard Lourdesamy · Reply

  • Dignity is to be earned with deeds and virtues, not asked of.

    Posted 4 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

    • Your dignity was not in good hands. PH is giving you a chance to revive that you have lost. Do appreciate it.

      Posted 4 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • A professor starts talking again about citizenship in year 2019. U r outdated and irrelevant. We are talking about how to move the country forward but professor is talking about how to bring the country back to 50s. Can u talk something more relevant and important for our next generation. Professor , u r putting the young generation feeling sick of u.

    Posted 4 years ago by James Wong · Reply

  • pot calling kettle black

    Posted 4 years ago by Billy rave · Reply

  • Now you know why Trump the white supremist is elected . Malaysians will vote the next Malay supremist

    Posted 4 years ago by S L · Reply

  • How shallow is this.

    Posted 4 years ago by Mo Salleh · Reply

  • Lets see what Mahathir has to say about this. He is suppose to be the leader of all the races in Malaysia.

    Posted 4 years ago by Elyse Gim · Reply

  • Zainal Kling should be called Professor Karut.

    Posted 4 years ago by Panchen Low · Reply

  • Did he knows British gave independence in 1 condition!! CHINESE AND INDIANS MUST BE INCLUDED..He also said Malaysia is translated to Greek it means Malay Island!!
    Do he knows Klepto in Greek means " i steal"
    Which race is stealing from the GLC,State and from the foundation?
    Chinese and Indian?
    Malaysia is rated 47% in corruption and we lost almost Rm 50 billion to corruption..Which race to blame?
    Kling means a slang for Indian i was told...
    Oh Zainal Kling all the best...

    Posted 4 years ago by Kalai Chelven · Reply

  • The dignity decline has nothing to do with others but with people within your own community. Open your eyes and look carefully. Go to the high courts and supreme courts and count.

    Posted 4 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • His father's name is Kling.
    I rest my case

    Posted 4 years ago by Watch Dog · Reply

  • His father's name is Kling.
    I rest my case

    Posted 4 years ago by Watch Dog · Reply

  • Til today I have not seen anyone spell out the exact words of this mythical social contract in the constitution.

    Posted 4 years ago by Kinetica Cho · Reply