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Mr AG, where can we view the ‘social contract’?

I refer to your article entitled ‘AG: Social contract basis for nation-building’ which stated amongst others that “attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail reminded Malaysians of the need to abide by the ‘social contract’ developed by the country’s forefathers.”

 

Although a regular guy untrained in legal matters, I am still pretty sure that when lawyers, public prosecutors and (especially) the attorney-general speak, their points of facts need to be sound and backed by appropriate written legal codes. This applies even if they are only giving an opinion publicly.

 

Malaysians have frequently heard and are often reminded of the need to respect this ‘contract’ by various leaders (and now by no less than the attorney-general himself!). This reminder gets louder by the day as both sides of political divide seek more votes that are increasingly harder to earn.

 

Rights are being defended rigorously while offensive remarks are often shouted down, ostracised by various groups and NGOs claiming to be defenders of their race or religion or whatever interest they conveniently claim to represent. Both sides frequently asking their respective opponents to refer to, respect and obey our law, constitution and ‘social contract’.

I dare say that most of us (save for the few with their ulterior motives) are simple and practical citizens who do not consciously and intentionally go out screaming hurtful remarks. However, there are issues played out in public domain that are puzzling. Many a time, we want to understand them better in order not to unconsciously step on the rights and sensitivities of our fellow citizens.

 

Best way is to learn more about it. Growing up, we probably learn from each other bits and pieces of common everyday taboos, cultures, ‘adat and pantang’ as well as religious practices. We all try our utmost best in respecting each other - like not having beef or pork dishes or preparing vegetarian meals in a gathering out of respect for our guests.  

 

Other heavier and unpleasant stuffs that could land us in trouble with the law can be avoided if we have a common reference starting point understood by all, like this ‘social contract’.

 

While we can easily check out the laws of our land and our constitution, where does one go to verify matters and issues that fall under ‘social contract’?

 

Since our numero uno legal person, attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail, has openly referred to the ‘social contract’, I wish he would share with citizens of this country where we can view or get a copy of this ‘social contract’ so that everyone of us will have a clearer understand of our respective rights, boundaries and sensitivities of each other.

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