Fundamental liberties

There are some provisions inside the Federal Constitution which are designed to protect the freedom of the individuals. These are referred to as the fundamental liberties or fundamental rights. These rights are said to be entrenched or enshrined because it cannot be altered or taken away altogether unless the constitution itself is amended. This can only be done with a special resolution of two-third of all the members of the Parliament.

The nature and effects of fundamental liberties so enshrined may be explained as follows:

1. No person may be subject to slavery or forced labour.

-The constitution recognises that individuals should not be regarded as property of others, and thus bans all forms of slavery and forced labour.

-However, this right is given subject to the paramount interest of the nations. Therefore, the Parliament may make law providing for compulsory national services.

2. Citizens cannot be discriminated against in relation to appointment to any office, employment under a public authority, or in relation to acquisition of property, establishing or carrying on any trade, business, vacation or employment, merely on ground of religion, race, descent or place of birth.

-However, this right is subject to Article.153 of Federal Constitution which permit the granting of special privileges to bumiputras.

3. Citizens cannot be discriminated against in relation to providing of education, merely on ground of religion, race, descent or place of birth.

-However, this right is subject to Article. 153 as stated above.

4. Freedom of religion

-The constitution also entrenched the right of the individuals to practice, profess or propagate his own religion.

-However, as Islam is the religion of the country, restrictions may be placed upon the propagation of the religions among muslims.

5. No person may be banished from the country.

-However, this right is subject to the exceptions that federal government is permitted to deprive one person of his citizenship under certain circumstances.