Media Statement: 07 January 2001

THE SUQIU DECISION

The Suqiu decision to set aside 7 points in its 1999 Election Memorandum has come as a surprise to a lot of people.

Suqiu had already expressed its support for the basic principles of the Malaysian Constitution especially Article 153 which provides for the special position of the Malays and the Bumiputras of Sabah and Sarawak in two separate media statements on 22 and 24 December 2000. There was really no need therefore for Suqiu to proclaim openly that it was setting aside certain aspects of its Appeal related to the status of the Malays and the Constitution.

It should be emphasized at this point that the Barisan Alternatif had in the middle of December 2000 communicated to Suqiu the importance of clarifying its attitude towards the basic principles of the Constitution, especially those provisions pertaining to the special position of the Malays and the Bumiputras. The BA's Common Manifesto adopted in October 1999 embodies a lucid commitment to the basic principles of the Malaysian Constitution. In our response to Suqiu in October 1999 itself, we made it unequivocally clear that we endorsed the basic principles of the Malaysian Constitution, including the special position of the Malays and Bumiputras and the status of the Malay language as the sole official and national language of the country.

The BA was therefore understandably pleased when Suqiu clarified its position on the Constitution. In fact, we came out with a media statement welcoming Suqiu's clarification. After all, the Suqiu's Appeal, taken as a whole, is an outstanding example of civil society's commitment to social justice, human rights and good governance. This is why we were taken aback when the Suqiu decided to set aside certain elements in its Appeal as a result of its meeting with UMNO Youth on 5th January 2001. The impression given to the public is that the Suqiu was pressurised to accede to UMNO Youth's demand that it repudiate certain elements in its Appeal. If there was pressure, it does not augur well for Malaysian democracy. Pressure and threats are inimical to a democratic system. A genuine democracy would encourage its citizens to engage in dialogue and rational exchange.

DR. CHANDRA MUZAFFAR
Deputy President