Pemenang accounts assistant Nur Ashidah Mohamed Sallih browsing through the Kontrak Sosial — Perlembagaan Persekutuan 1957 book which is being suggested for use in schools and universities.
TWO NON-GOVERNMENTAL organisations (NGOs) have expressed displeasure over the dwindling number of Malay reserved land in the country.
Tan Sri Mohd Yussof Latiff, who is president for both Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang (Pemenang) and Pertubuhan Amanah Warisan Melayu Pulau Pinang (Pewaris), claimed that the percentage of reserved land in the country stood at between 14% and 15%.
He said it was stated in the will left by the Conference of Rulers in 1957 that 50% of the land in the Federated Malay states shall be reserved for the Malays.
Mohd Yusoff said they would submit memorandums to the Conference of Rulers and Malay ministers on the replacement of Malay reserved land in the country.
“It is well stated that 50% of the land in the Federated Malay states shall be reserved for the Malays.
“However, we only have about 14% or 15% of Malay reserved land in the country now.
“The rest of the land was used up by the state governments for general usage, such as for building roads and other amenities,” he said.
Mohd Yusoff told reporters during a press conference at Pemenang headquarters in Jalan Pemenang on Thursday.
He said from now on, the state governments should return or replace Malay reserved land that have been used for other purposes.
“We have also included reasons on why the land should be replaced and some solutions for it in the memorandum.
“We have prepared the memorandum, and are in the midst of sending it (memorandums) to all the related parties in stages,” he said.
On another matter, Mohd Yusoff also suggested that a historic book titled ‘Kontrak Sosial — Perlembagaan Persekutuan 1957’ (Social Contract — Federal Constitution 1957) replace the present History textbooks used in public schools and universities.
“This book thoroughly details how we attained our Independence.
“It is necessary that our younger generations learn about these details, so that the multi-ethnic groups can foster closer ties,” he said, adding that the younger generation is often being misled by false facts published in social media.
He said a memorandum on the proposal would be sent to the Education Ministry next month.
