Taking words from the federal constitution out of context to prop one's narrow interests is a "traitorous" act and must be condemned, said Ideas chairperson Tunku Zain Al-Abidin Tuanku Muhriz.

“In recent years [...] words have been taken out of context to make it possible to argue that the purpose of this country and the mission of its institutions is to advance certain interests – divergently defined - above others.

"These attempts should be condemned as traitorous and nonsensical," he said.

The Negeri Sembilan prince ( photo ), however, did not elaborate how the constitution has been twisted for the benefit of some groups.

In his speech at a forum in Petaling Jaya today, Zain Al-Abidin said Malaysia's founding fathers and the first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman had made it quite clear what kind of country they envisioned.

He highlighted how Tunku had emphasised the importance of rule of law, civil liberties, and responsible governance.

Meaning of Article 153 'stretched'

Former deputy higher education minister Saifuddin Abdullah said Article 153 of the Constitution, which deals with Malay rights and privileges, was especially susceptible to exaggeration.

"People always stretch the meaning of Article 153. Some people forget that Article 153 does not cover everything," he said at the talk organised by NGO Harmony Malaysia.

For example, he cited the 10 percent discount for Bumiputeras buying houses.

"Is that really part of Article 153? I don't think so.

"If a bumiputera is buying a house that costs RM3 million, surely he doesn't need a discount," he said.