PUTRAJAYA CAMPUS

SEMESTER 1, 2023/2024

PENGHAYATAN ETIKA DAN PERADABAN (PEP)

MPU3183

GROUP ASSIGNMENT: -
EXPLAIN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MALAYSIAN FEDERAL CONSTITUTION
BEFORE INDEPENDENCE UNTIL INDEPENDENCE DAY AS INTEGRATION
PLATFORM AND VEHICLE TO ACHIEVE ETHICS AND CIVILISATION IN
MALAYSIA

NAME OF GROUP MEMBERS:

1. AL MOHAMMED KARRAR MAHMOOD HAYDER (CE01082998) (LEADER)
2. MOHAMED GAMAL ABDELRAHMAN (EP01083021)
3. MOHAMED OSAMA ALI MOHAMED (CE01083235)
4. HUSSEIN MOHAMMED OBAD ALSOWMALI (EE01083226)
5. AHMED TAREQ RAJAB BIN HADJEH (EE01083015)

NAME OF LECTURER: DR NURULBAHIAH BTE AWANG

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Table of contents

Background ………………………………………………..…… 3
Objective ……………………………………………………..…. 5
Analysis & Discussion ………………………………………..… 6
Malaysia before independence ……………………………….... 9
Development of the Malaysian federal constitution ………….. 10
Achieving ethics and civilization through the constitution …... 12
Challenges & Reforms ………………………………………….. 13
Conclusion ……………………………………………………….. 15
References ………………………………………………………... 17

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BACKGROUND

The federal Kingdom of Malaysia, known as "Malaysia", is located in Southeast Asia and consists
of 13 states and three federal territories. It occupies a strategic location that made it vulnerable to
occupation and colonization many times, the most recent of which was British colonialism.

The laws of Malaysia came into effect in 1957 and are the supreme law in Malaysia. It was
launched in the Malaysian Federation at the beginning of the Malaysian Federation and adopted
the current name of Malaysia when the (now independent) states of Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore
became part of the federation. The constitution stipulates that the federation is a monarchy and that
the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is the head of state, whose roles are ceremonial. It provides for the
establishment of nine principal members, the executive authority led by the Prime Minister and his
ministers, and the power to absent Congress.

• The pre-independence stages.

The Federation of Malaya was formed, and this was the first time that the people of Malaya
enjoyed self-government, the British High Commissioner became the de facto head of state and
Tunku Abdul Rahman the Prime Minister. As soon as Tunku Abdul Rahman sat on the chair, he
called for independence and demanded that Britain do so. Tunku’s call worried the state rulers for
fear of losing their status and advantages. These rulers were prepared to accept the British High
Commissioner as their ruler and president in exchange for remaining in their positions and
maintaining their privilege. Meanwhile, the Malays were divided into two parts, one with the desire
of the rulers, most of whom were feudal lords, and one with Istiqlal and Tunku Abdul Rahman.

• After independence

In 1963, Malaya, along with the then British crown colonies of Sabah (British North Borneo),
Sarawak, and Singapore, formed the state of Malaysia. The Sultanate of Brunei, despite initial
interest in joining the federation, withdrew due to opposition from certain sectors of the population,
as well as controversy over the payment of oil royalties and the status of the Sultan in the planned
merger. The proposed date for announcing the formation of Malaysia was 31 August 1963, It
coincides with Malay Independence Day and the granting of autonomy to Sarawak and Sabah.
However, the date was delayed due to opposition from the Indonesian government led by Sukarno
and other attempts by the Sarawak United People's Party to delay the formition of Malaysia. Given

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these factors, an eight-member UN team was formed to ascertain the desire of Sabah and Sarawak
to join Malaysia.

The early years of independence saw conflict with Indonesia over the formation of Malaysia,
Singapore's eventual exit in 1965, and ethnic conflicts that escalated toward race riots in 1969.
The
Philippines also weighed in against Sabah based on the claim that the Sultanate of Brunei ceded
Sabah to the Sultanate of Sulu in 1704. This issue with the Philippines is still ongoing. After the
May 13, 1969, race riots, it launched controversial New Economic Policies aimed at increasing the
share of the indigenous population is the majority of the Malay people compared to other ethnic
groups which was launched by Prime Minister Abdul Razak. Malaysia has since maintained a
delicate ethnic and political balance, with a system of government that attempts to combine
inclusive economic development with economic and political policies that promote fair
participation of all ethnicities making up the country.

Since independence in 1957, Malaysia has had several governments, all of which are from a
multiparty Malawi coalition known as “Barisan Nasional.” The judiciary also enjoys independence
from the legislative and executive authorities in the country.

Since Malaysia's resignation, several political names have risen to fame, occupying the position
of Prime Minister, the most prominent of whom are:

1- Tengku Abdul Rahman (1903 - 1990) is the father of independent Malaysia and its first prime
minister.

2- Mahathir Mohamad: Doctor and Prime Minister of Malaysia for a long time.

3- Najib Razak: He is the sixth Prime Minister of Malaysia since its independence in 1957.

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OBJECTIVE

During the pre-independence period, Malaysia was under British colonial rule, and various legal
systems were in place.

The Malayan Union (1946) led to discontent and was replaced by the Federation of Malaya
(1948), laying the foundation for the federal constitution.

The Reid Commission was appointed in 1956 to draft the Federal Constitution, gathering input
from various segments of society.

The Merdeka Agreement in 1957 outlined the terms of independence and the provisions of the
Federal Constitution.

The Constitution addressed ethnic considerations, promoting social cohesion and harmony.

The Federal Constitution served as an integration platform, bringing together Malaysia's diverse
ethnic and religious communities.

It ensured the special position of Malays and indigenous people (Bumiputera) and promoted their
socio-economic advancement.

Provisions regarding language, religion, and citizenship fostered a shared national identity.

The Constitution guaranteed fundamental liberties and upheld the rule of law, promoting ethics
and civilization.

It established the separation of powers, ensuring a system of checks and balances.

Malaysia achieved independence on August 31, 1957, with the Federal Constitution as its
foundational legal document, guiding

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ANALYSIS & DISCUSSION

The development of the Malaysian Federal Constitution played a pivotal role in shaping the
country's path to independence and establishing a platform for integration and the pursuit of
ethics and civilization. Before Malaysia gained its independence on August 31, 1957, the country
underwent significant political, social, and constitutional transformations, which helped in the
formation of a unified nation.

1. Pre-Independence Constitutional Development: Before independence, Malaysia was

known as Malaya, comprising a collection of British colonies and protectorates. The British
introduced various constitutional developments that laid the foundation for a more representative
and selfgoverning system. The Federated Malay States and the Unfederated Malay States were
brought under the Federated Malay States Constitution and the Unfederated Malay States
Constitution, respectively. These early constitutional developments set the stage for further
political progress and the eventual development of the Malaysian Federal Constitution.

2. Ethnic Integration and Consensus Building: One of the critical challenges faced during
the pre-independence era was the delicate balance of ethnic diversity. The Constitutional
Commission and subsequent negotiations paved the way for the inclusion of provisions in the
Federal Constitution that aimed to safeguard the rights of various ethnic groups, including
Malays, Chinese, Indians, and other indigenous communities. The social contract, embedded in
the Constitution, addressed the concerns of different ethnic communities, fostering a sense of
unity and shared identity among Malaysians.

3. Legal Framework for Ethical Governance: The Malaysian Federal Constitution

established a legal framework that emphasized the importance of ethical governance. It
delineated the powers and responsibilities of the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches,
ensuring a system of checks and balances. The inclusion of fundamental liberties and
fundamental rights in the Constitution laid the groundwork for protecting the rights and freedoms
of all individuals, promoting justice, equality, and the rule of law.

4. Civilizational Progress through Democratic Principles: The Malaysian Federal

Constitution incorporated democratic principles, facilitating a system of representative
governance and participation. This allowed for the development of a democratic culture, where

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citizens could engage in the political process, express their opinions, and hold their leaders
accountable. The establishment of parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy
framework provided a stable and progressive political environment conducive to the pursuit of a
civilized society.

5. Post-Independence Evolution: Following independence, the Malaysian Federal

Constitution underwent several amendments to address contemporary challenges and ensure the
evolving needs of a modern, multi-ethnic, and multicultural society. The Constitution has been a
living document that has adapted to the changing dynamics of Malaysian society, ensuring the
protection of fundamental rights and liberties while fostering a sense of national unity and shared
identity.

6. Cultural and Religious Harmony: The Malaysian Federal Constitution, in its

developmental stages, acknowledged the significance of cultural and religious diversity within
the country. The accommodation of various customs and traditions within the legal framework
helped to foster harmony and mutual understanding among different communities. This
inclusivity contributed to the preservation of Malaysia's rich cultural heritage and promoted
mutual respect and tolerance among citizens, establishing a strong foundation for social cohesion
and national unity.

7. Decolonization and Self-Governance: The constitutional developments leading up to

independence were closely tied to the decolonization process and the growing demand for self-
governance. Through a series of constitutional conferences and negotiations, Malaysia's leaders
worked toward the gradual transfer of power from the British colonial authorities to the local
representatives. This transition period allowed for the gradual establishment of democratic
institutions, paving the way for a more participatory and inclusive political system that reflected
the aspirations of the Malaysian people.

8. Safeguarding Minority Rights: The formulation of the Malaysian Federal Constitution

before independence was marked by a concerted effort to protect the rights of minority groups.
Provisions were introduced to ensure the equitable representation and protection of the interests
of various ethnic and religious minorities, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion. The
recognition of the special position of the Malays and the legitimate interests of other
communities was a crucial step in creating a fair and just society, where all citizens could
contribute to the nation's development and progress.

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9. Institutional Framework for Social Progress: The Malaysian Federal Constitution
provided a robust institutional framework for addressing social and economic disparities, aiming
to promote ethical and civilized practices. It laid the groundwork for the establishment of
policies and programs that focused on socio-economic development, education, and public
welfare, with the objective of uplifting marginalized communities and ensuring equitable
opportunities for all. The constitutional provisions facilitated the implementation of affirmative
action programs, promoting social justice and equitable distribution of resources, thereby
contributing to the country's ethical and civilizational advancement.

10. Stability and Political Maturity: The gradual evolution of the Malaysian Federal
Constitution underscored the country's commitment to political stability and maturity. The
constitutional framework established a system of governance that emphasized the rule of law,
democratic principles, and accountable governance, fostering a conducive environment for the
peaceful resolution of disputes and the promotion of ethical leadership. This stability and
political maturity provided a solid foundation for Malaysia's progress as a responsible member of
the global community, contributing to its image as a modern and forward-thinking nation.

The Malaysian Federal Constitution has served as a unifying force, providing a common legal
framework that upholds the values of diversity, ethics, and civilization. Its provisions have been
instrumental in fostering social cohesion, protecting individual rights, and promoting responsible
governance, laying the groundwork for Malaysia's continued development as a progressive and
democratic nation.

The development of the Malaysian Federal Constitution before independence and its subsequent
evolution up to Independence Day was instrumental in shaping the nation's trajectory, fostering
integration, and promoting a culture of ethics and civilization. Its emphasis on diversity,
inclusivity, and social progress laid the foundation for a vibrant and cohesive Malaysian society,
emphasizing the values of unity, justice, and sustainable development.

The Malaysian Federal Constitution is the supreme law of the land and plays a vital role in
integrating the different ethnic and religious groups in Malaysia and in promoting ethical
values and civilization. It is a testament to the wisdom and foresight of the framers of the
Constitution that it has been able to withstand the test of time and remain relevant to the
needs of Malaysia today. This essay will explore the development of the Malaysian Federal
Constitution as an integration platform and vehicle to achieve ethics and civilization in

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Malaysia. The essay will begin by providing a brief overview of the Constitution and its
historical background, followed by a discussion of the key principles and values embedded in
the Constitution. The essay will then examine how the Constitution has been used to promote
national unity and integration, as well as to uphold ethical values and promote a civilized
society. Finally, the essay will discuss the challenges faced by the Constitution in promoting
ethics and civilization, and highlight any amendments or reforms made to address these
challenges.

Malaysia Before Independence

Malaysia is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country with a rich and diverse cultural
heritage. The pre-independence era of Malaysia was marked by a period of colonial rule by
the British, Portuguese, and Dutch. During this time, the different ethnic and religious groups
in Malaysia were largely segregated and there was little interaction between them. This led to
a number of challenges, including social inequality, religious intolerance, and economic
disparities. Malaysia's history dates back to the 15th century, when the Sultanate of Malacca
was established. Malacca was a major trading center for spices and other goods, and it
attracted merchants from all over the world. In 1511, Malacca was conquered by the
Portuguese, who were followed by the Dutch in 1641 and the British in 1824.

During the British colonial period, the Malay States were gradually unified under British
rule. This led to growing dissatisfaction among the local population, and there were a number
of uprisings against British rule. However, these uprisings were unsuccessful, and British
rule continued until World War II. In 1941, Japan invaded and occupied Malaya. The
Japanese occupation lasted for three years, and was a time of great hardship for the Malayan
people. After the Japanese surrendered in 1945, the British returned to Malaya. However, the
Malayan people were now determined to achieve independence.

In 1946, the British established the Malayan Union, a new form of government that united
the Malay States under a single central government. However, the Malayan Union was

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unpopular with the Malays, who felt that it threatened their special position and the status of
Islam. In 1948, the Malayan Union was replaced by the Federation of Malaya, which gave
the Malay States more autonomy. In 1955, the Alliance Party was formed, which was a
coalition of Malay, Chinese, and Indian political parties. The Alliance Party campaigned for
independence from Britain, and it won the 1955 elections. On 31 August 1957, Malaya
achieved independence from Britain.

In 1963, Malaya merged with Singapore, Sabah, and Sarawak to form the new nation of
Malaysia. Brunei was also invited to join the new federation, but it declined. Malaysia's
history is a rich and complex one, and it is shaped by the diverse cultures and religions of its
people. Malaysia has faced many challenges over the years, but it has emerged from them a
stronger and more united nation.

Development of the Malaysian Federal Constitution

The Malaysian Federal Constitution is the supreme law of the land and plays a vital role in
integrating the different ethnic and religious groups in Malaysia and in promoting ethical
values. It is a testament to the wisdom and foresight of the framers of the Constitution that it
has been able to withstand the test of time and remain relevant to the needs of Malaysia
today. The development of the Malaysian Federal Constitution can be traced back to the pre-
independence era. During this time, Malaya was a British colony and was divided into nine
Malay states, Penang, and Malacca. The British had a number of different policies in place
for these different territories, which led to a great deal of inequality and resentment. The
Malaysian Federal Constitution was drafted in the lead-up to independence from British rule
in 1957. The Reid Commission, which was appointed by the British government to draft the
Constitution, was tasked with creating a constitutional framework that would be acceptable
to all of the different ethnic and religious groups in Malaya. The Reid Commission took into
account the views of all of the different stakeholders and produced a draft constitution that
was both progressive and inclusive. The draft constitution enshrined the fundamental
liberties of all citizens, regardless of their race, religion, or ethnicity. It also safeguarded the
special position of the Malays and the status of Islam. The Malaysian Federal Constitution

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came into force on 31 August 1957, the day of Malaya's independence. The Constitution has
since been amended a number of times, but its core principles and values have remained
intact. The Malaysian Federal Constitution is a complex document that reflects the diverse
nature of Malaysian society. It is a product of compromise and negotiation between the
different ethnic and religious groups in Malaysia. The Constitution guarantees the
fundamental liberties of all citizens, regardless of their race, religion, or ethnicity. It also
safeguards the special position of the Malays and the status of Islam. The Malaysian Federal
Constitution has been amended a number of times since independence. However, its core
principles and values have remained intact. The Constitution continues to play a vital role in
integrating the different ethnic and religious groups in Malaysia and in promoting ethical
values.

The Malaysian Federal Constitution is the supreme law of the land and plays a vital role in
integrating the different ethnic and religious groups in Malaysia and in promoting ethical
values. It is a testament to the wisdom and foresight of the framers of the Constitution that it
has been able to withstand the test of time and remain relevant to the needs of Malaysia
today. The Malaysian Federal Constitution serves as a platform for integration in a number of
ways. First, it guarantees the fundamental liberties of all citizens, regardless of their race,
religion, or ethnicity. These fundamental liberties include the right to life, liberty, equality
before the law, freedom of speech, assembly, and association, and freedom of religion. These
rights are essential for ensuring that all Malaysians feel treated with dignity and respect, and
that they have the same opportunities to participate in society. Second, the Constitution
safeguards the special position of the Malays and the status of Islam. This is a recognition of
the historical and cultural realities of Malaysia, and it helps to ensure that the Malays feel
included and represented in the Malaysian nation. However, it is important to note that the
Constitution also guarantees the rights of all other ethnic and religious groups, and that it
prohibits discrimination on the basis of race or religion. Third, the Constitution promotes
ethical values such as justice, fairness, and human rights. These values are essential for
building a just and equitable society where all Malaysians can thrive. The Constitution also
establishes a number of institutions and mechanisms to promote these values, such as the
judiciary, the Malaysian Human Rights Commission, and the Syariah courts. Fourth, the

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Constitution establishes a federal system of government. This means that power is divided
between the federal government and the state governments. This helps to ensure that the
different states have a say in their own affairs and that the federal government does not
become too powerful. This is important for promoting national unity and integration, as it
allows the different states to maintain their own unique cultures and traditions.

Fifth, the Constitution provides for an independent judiciary. The judiciary is responsible for
interpreting and applying the Constitution, and it plays a vital role in protecting the rights of
all Malaysians. The independence of the judiciary is essential for ensuring that the law is
applied fairly and impartially, regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity. In addition to the
specific provisions mentioned above, the Constitution as a whole also serves as an
integration platform by providing a common set of values and principles that all Malaysians
can adhere to. The Constitution is a symbol of the nation's unity and diversity, and it plays a
vital role in promoting social cohesion and harmony.

Achieving Ethics and Civilization through the Constitution

The Malaysian Federal Constitution upholds several ethical principles, such as justice,
fairness, and human rights. The Malaysian government is committed to national development
and has implemented various policies at the national level to address political, administrative,
economic, and social issues. The government has also implemented eleven Five Year
Development Plans since 1951, and three Long Term Perspective Plans since 1971. These
plans are guided by the spirit and principles of the nation as enshrined in the Federal
Constitution, Rukun Negara, and Vision 2020. The Federal Constitution has outlined a social
contract that provides the foundation for social harmony and development for the country
and people of various ethnic groups and religions. The Rukun Negara is a national
philosophy and ideology that aims at developing a new consensus toward integrating various
ethnic groups and building a just, democratic, liberal, and progressive society. Vision 2020
contains the national aspiration to become a fully developed nation within its own mould,
and it also outlines the challenges that need to be addressed in order to realise that goal.

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The government recognizes that the public sector is the most important instrument in
management and administration, as well as in the delivery of services and national
development. Ethical practices and integrity must therefore be reflected in all undertakings.
The integration, internalization, and upholding of good moral values, and being free of
corruption and abuse of power, should continuously be strengthened. In order to enhance
good moral values and integrity in the public service, the government has introduced various
programmes, such as the 'Clean, Efficient, and Trustworthy' (Bersih, Cekap dan Amanah)
programme, the 'Integration of Islamic Values' (Penerapan Nilai-nilai Islam) programme, and
the 'Excellent Work Culture' programme. The government has also passed the Prevention of
Corruption Act 1997 to replace the Prevention of Corruption Ordinance 1950.

The government has also set up the Anti-Corruption Agency, the Public Complaints Bureau,
and the Auditor General's Department to combat corruption, maintain the integrity of
government administration, and ensure that public expenditure, revenue, and assets are
properly managed and accounted for. The government has also created a Special Cabinet on
Government Management Integrity, as well as Integrity Management Committees at the
federal, state, and district levels to address the need for integrity at all levels of the
government machinery. The government has identified a set of core values, such as honesty,
trustworthiness, wisdom, fairness, transparency, and gratitude, which members of the public
sector should internalise and put into practice. The government has also identified a set of
secondary values, which are values developed from below that are appropriate and relevant
to the organisation's operations. The Integrity Management Committee is a mechanism that
has a structure with periodic reporting, meant to strengthen management integrity of the
administrative system of the Government of Malaysia. In addition, there are the Code of
Ethics for Judges (1994) and the Code of Ethics for Members of the Administration (1997).

Challenges and Reforms

The Malaysian Federal Constitution is the supreme law of the land and plays a vital role in
promoting ethics and civilization in Malaysia. It does this by establishing a system of
government based on the rule of law, protecting the fundamental rights of all Malaysians, and

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promoting national unity and harmony. However, the Constitution has also faced a number of
challenges in promoting ethics and civilization. One challenge is that the Constitution has
been interpreted in different ways by different groups of people. This has led to a number of
controversies, such as the debate over the meaning of the special position of the Malays.
Another challenge is that the Constitution has been amended a number of times, some of
which have been seen as undermining its core principles and values. For example, the
amendment to Article 153 in 1971 was seen by many as a weakening of the safeguards for
the non-Malay communities. In addition to these challenges, the implementation of the
Constitution has also faced a number of obstacles. One obstacle is the lack of awareness of
the Constitution among the Malaysian public. Many Malaysians are not familiar with the
basic principles and values of the Constitution, which makes it difficult for them to hold the
government accountable to its provisions. Another obstacle is the lack of political will to
implement certain aspects of the Constitution. For example, the government has been
reluctant to implement certain provisions of the Constitution that promote the rights of
minorities or that limit the power of the government. Despite these challenges, the Malaysian
Federal Constitution has remained a resilient and effective tool for promoting ethics and
civilization in Malaysia. The Constitution has helped to integrate the different ethnic and
religious groups in Malaysia and to create a more just and equitable society.

A number of reforms have been proposed to address the challenges faced by the Malaysian
Federal Constitution in promoting ethics and civilization. One reform is to increase public
awareness of the Constitution. This can be done through educational programs and outreach
campaigns. Another reform is to strengthen the independence of the judiciary. This can be
done by making it more difficult for the government to remove judges from office and by
providing the judiciary with more resources. Another reform is to reduce the government's
influence over the media and other institutions that play a role in promoting ethics and
civilization. This can be done by repealing laws that restrict freedom of speech and assembly
and by providing more funding to independent media outlets. Finally, it is important to
ensure that the government implements all of the provisions of the Constitution in a fair and
impartial manner. This can be done by strengthening the role of the courts in reviewing
government actions and by establishing independent oversight bodies to monitor the

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government's performance. The Malaysian Federal Constitution is a living document that
must be constantly updated to meet the changing needs of the country. By implementing the
reforms outlined above, Malaysia can ensure that the Constitution continues to play a vital
role in promoting ethics and civilization in the country.

Conclusion
The Federal Constitution of Malaysia:

• A Guiding Force for Nation-Building

The Federal Constitution of Malaysia, adopted in 1957, stands as the nation's

cornerstone, shaping its governance, upholding fundamental rights, and fostering a
cohesive society. This document, born from the nation's quest for independence, serves
as a testament to Malaysia's commitment to inclusivity, ethics, and civilization.

• A Foundational Framework for Governance

The Constitution stands as the supreme law of Malaysia, guiding the nation's political
landscape and providing a framework for transparent, accountable, and just governance.
It establishes a system of checks and balances among the executive, legislative, and
judicial branches of power, ensuring that no one branch dominates or abuses its
authority.

• Promoting Social Cohesion and Equality

The Constitution acknowledges the special position of Bumiputera (Malays and

indigenous people) while ensuring that fundamental rights are guaranteed for all
citizens, regardless of ethnicity or religion. This inclusive approach promotes social
harmony and fosters a shared sense of national identity.

• Embracing Diversity and Upholding Ethical Values

Malaysia's diverse population, with its rich cultural tapestry, finds its reflection in the
Constitution's provisions on language, religion, and citizenship. This cultural pluralism is
celebrated while upholding the principles of justice, equality, and non-discrimination.
The Constitution also mandates the separation of mosque and state, ensuring religious
freedom and preventing theocracy.

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• Adaptability and Resilience through Amendments and Reforms

Over the years, the Constitution has been amended and reformed to address changing
societal needs and challenges. These adjustments demonstrate the Constitution's
adaptability and resilience, enabling it to remain a relevant and effective instrument for
nation-building.

• Uniting Force for Malaysia's Progress

The Federal Constitution serves as a unifying force, bridging ethnic and religious divides
while safeguarding individual rights and promoting responsible governance. It guides
Malaysia's path towards a progressive, democratic, and harmonious nation, fostering a
future of inclusivity, justice, and prosperity for all Malaysians.

In conclusion, the development of the Malaysian Federal Constitution before independence

until Independence Day served as an integration platform and vehicle to achieve ethics and
civilization in Malaysia. The Constitution was carefully crafted by the Reid Commission to
ensure inclusivity and acceptance among different ethnic and religious groups. It upholds
principles of justice, fairness, and human rights, while recognizing the special position of the
Malays and the status of Islam. The Constitution provides a common set of values and
principles that promote social cohesion and harmony. It has been amended over time while
retaining its core principles, and the government has implemented various policies and
programs to uphold ethics and integrity. Despite challenges, the Constitution remains a
resilient and effective tool for promoting ethics and civilization in Malaysia, but continuous
reforms are necessary to address obstacles and ensure its relevance in a changing society.

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