How should Malaysia address the 71% view that Quran should replace Constitution?

Question

Accepted Answer

Addressing Divergent Views on National Values in Malaysia

Recent surveys highlight significant divergences in values among Malaysians, particularly concerning the relationship between religious texts and the national constitution. One survey indicated that 71% of Muslim youth surveyed in October 2010 believed the Quran should replace the Malaysian Constitution. This statistic, while illustrative of differing perspectives, underscores the complex challenge of identifying and fostering shared values within a diverse society. Addressing such deeply held beliefs requires a framework that acknowledges existing constitutional structures and promotes dialogue on national identity and governance.
The Constitutional Framework and Islamic Law

Malaysia operates under a federal constitutional monarchy, where the Federal Constitution serves as the supreme law of the land. While Islam is the official religion of Malaysia, the constitution also guarantees freedom of religion for all citizens. The interplay between civil law and Islamic law (Sharia) is a nuanced aspect of the Malaysian legal system. State-level Islamic religious courts generally handle matters of personal law for Muslims, such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance, within parameters defined by federal and state legislation. However, these Islamic legal provisions are subordinate to the Federal Constitution, which remains the ultimate legal authority.
Historical Context of Religious and Constitutional Integration

Malaysia's constitutional development has involved a degree of compromise to accommodate the nation's multireligious and multicultural fabric. Following independence in 1957, the concept of a unified national identity was pursued through various national development plans. The Wawasan 2020 (Vision 2020) initiative, introduced by former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, outlined nine key challenges aimed at transforming Malaysia into a fully developed nation by 2020. These challenges encompassed aspirations for national unity, a mature democratic society, a moral and ethical society, and a just and equitable economy, providing a broad set of values intended to guide national development and foster a sense of collective purpose.
Pathways for Dialogue and Value Integration

Fostering an "honest conversation" among individuals and communities with diverging views is essential for navigating these differences. General approaches to value integration in pluralistic societies often involve promoting interfaith dialogue, enhancing civic education that emphasizes constitutional principles and mutual respect, and ensuring legal frameworks protect both majority and minority rights. While specific policy prescriptions for handling propositions to replace the constitution with religious texts are not detailed, the underlying principle of engaging diverse perspectives through dialogue and within the existing constitutional framework is a common strategy for managing societal tensions. The universal values espoused by Wawasan 2020, such as unity, morality, justice, and tolerance, can serve as a common language for discussing national aspirations and assessing the nation's progress.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

How should Malaysia address the 71% view that Quran should replace Constitution?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends