SEPTEMBER 16 — The Malaysian Federation was established in 1963. Malaya had earlier won its independence in 1957, and in 1967, we came together with our closest neighbours to form the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
Asean has resolved that it shall be a rules-based, people-oriented and people-centred community. Its Member States signed the Asean Human Rights Declaration (AHRD) in 2012 that affirms all the civil and political rights, and all the economic, social and cultural rights in line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948. Further, Asean Member States have committed to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms of all peoples in the region. Central to this commitment is the rule of law.
On the 53rd anniversary of Malaysia’s establishment, it is worth recalling that our Federal Constitution provides a domestic rights-based framework regarding, among others, life and liberty, movement, speech, assembly, association, religion and property. Malaysia is committed to the respect, upholding, and protection of these rights. The same are to be responsibly exercised according to law. In charting our shared future together, we are well-served by the Constitution and the AHRD to aid us in navigating the emerging challenges that we face as a nation. Read more