Soi Lek: Discuss social contract on the quiet

MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek said that there should not be a ban on discussions over the social contract, in areas such as identifying ways to ensure fair implementation of the federal constitution provisions.

"I think we should be able to discuss this. Since this is a sensitive issue, we should not discuss it in a high-profile manner. I think we should not be stopped from discussing any issue.

"So we can discuss this in a low-profile manner behind closed doors, to ensure that what was enshrined in the constitution is implemented in a fair manner," said Chua when met on the sidelines of the Umno annual general assembly.

Chua ( right ) was asked to comment on Umno president Najib Abdul Razak's policy speech, in which he said that the social contract along with provisions for non-Malay citizenship and Malay special position, were not up for discussions.

He had added that such discussions were futile because constitutional provisions concerning these topics cannot be amended without the consent of the Malay rulers.

Similarly, Gerakan president Koh Tsu Koon said that Najib was reminding Malaysians that the constitutional position of the Malays cannot be questioned.

"The same goes for the rights of the others. Laws must be seen through a balanced viewpoint and not just through one interpretation," he said.

Koh: A 1Malaysia speech

Asked if it was appropriate for Najib to use "ethnic cleansing in Bosnia and Rwanda" as a possible outcome of badly managed race relations, Koh brushed it aside.

"No, no, no. He only said that if (Malay rights are) questioned, everyone will feel uncomfortable and this will give rise to the opportunists. We must oppose them," he said.

Overall, Koh ( left ) felt that the speech would spur Umno members towards greater heights and the public in general.

"What is important is that he stressed that we are on the same path based on the 1Malaysia principle. This message must be promoted and I believe this is a good start," he said.

MIC president S Samy Vellu lauded the speech, saying that it would help strengthen the Malay community's mentality.

"I don't think this is a racist (message). This is only to unite the Malays with other races so we (BN) can hold power," he said.

Additional reporting by Wong Teck Chi and Joseph Sipalan