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Daily Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Dangerous word game violates MA63
Published on: Sunday, July 27, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jul 27, 2025 Text Size: Declaring the Bahasa Malaysia version of the Federal Constitution as the Authoritative is a Backdoor Amendment — and that's tantamount to unconstitutional THERE is nothing wrong with loving Bahasa Malaysia. But there is everything wrong with using language to quietly change the meaning of the Constitution. The recent proposal to declare the Bahasa Malaysia (BM) version of the Federal Constitution as the 'authoritative text' may appear harmless or symbolic. It is not. It amounts to a backdoor constitutional amendment — one that risks overriding decades of legal precedent, reshaping fundamental rights, and violating the special safeguards promised to Sabah and Sarawak in 1963. Translation Is Not Neutral — It Shapes the Law Malaysia's Constitution was drafted in English by the Reid Commission and adopted in 1957. Every clause, word, and phrase reflects legal concepts from the common law tradition. The BM version, while official, is still a translation — not a legal twin. Article 160B of the Constitution allows the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to declare the BM version of the Constitution as 'authoritative.' However, this must be read in harmony with other constitutional provisions. Declaring a different-language version legally authoritative changes the words by which the Constitution is interpreted. That shift is not merely linguistic — it is legal. Here, it is important to clarify - is a declaration under Article 160B a law or an administrative act? Articles 159 and 161E apply to constitutional amendments and legal changes, not mere administrative declarations. However, if the effect of declaring the BM version as authoritative is to alter how rights are interpreted or protected, then it must be treated as a legal amendment — regardless of form. Otherwise, it would allow circumvention of constitutional safeguards through executive discretion. Regardless of whether Article 160B is exercised administratively, its legal effects must comply with the Constitution's substantive limits. The courts have long held that constitutional compliance is determined by outcome, not form. Importantly, Article 160B was introduced in 1971 through Act A514. Hansard records from that period make clear that the provision was intended to affirm the BM version as authoritative only after a careful process of harmonisation with the English version. The legislative intent was never to permit divergence in meaning, but rather to ensure that both versions align. Declaring the BM text authoritative without resolving inconsistencies would create a parallel text capable of altering constitutional meaning through linguistic drift. One Parent or Both? The Real Consequences Article 12(4) of the Constitution states that the religion of a minor shall be determined by 'his parent or guardian.' In English, 'parent' was interpreted by the Federal Court in Indira Gandhi (2018) to mean both parents must consent. The BM version says 'ibu atau bapanya' ('mother or father'), suggesting one parent may act unilaterally. If the BM version becomes authoritative, this change in wording could allow unilateral conversion of children to Islam without both parents' consent. That is a major shift — one which cannot be made without proper constitutional amendment. For Sabah and Sarawak, This Isn't Just a Legal Shift — It's a Constitutional Breach When Sabah and Sarawak joined Malaysia under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), they did so with express constitutional safeguards, especially in matters of religion, language, and autonomy. These safeguards are found in the Constitution: Article 161E(2)(d) Requires consent of Sabah and Sarawak for any amendment that affects the religion of the State. If the BM version alters the understanding of conversion of minors, it directly interferes with religious rights. Article 161E(2)(d) Requires consent for any amendment that affects the language in use in the State. English is still used officially in Sarawak and arguably in Sabah. Declaring the BM version authoritative displaces English as the legal baseline — which triggers this clause. Article 161E(2) Requires consent for any amendment affecting the operation of the Constitution in those States. Changing the authoritative text changes how the Constitution is interpreted and enforced. This clause covers not just the content of the Constitution, but its application in practice, which reinforces that such a declaration affects operational law. These Articles show that consent is not a formality. It is a legal safeguard. To bypass it is to breach the Federal Constitution. Legal Chaos, Constitutional Drift If courts are forced to choose between the BM and English texts, precedents like Indira Gandhi could be revisited. This move invites confusion over fundamental rights, undermines legal certainty, and erodes public confidence in constitutional protections. A History We Must Not Forget Sabah and Sarawak were not absorbed into Malaysia — they co-founded it. Their agreement to join was conditional upon express guarantees, including the continued use of English and protections for religious freedom. To change the terms of that understanding through translation — not legislation — is to violate the spirit and letter of MA63. Article 160B Is Not a Blank Cheque Yes, Article 160B gives the Agong discretion to declare the BM version authoritative. But that discretion must be exercised within constitutional limits. It cannot override Articles 161E, 159, or 4(1) (the supremacy clause). You cannot change the legal operation of fundamental rights by simply changing the language used to describe them. That would amount to amending the Constitution without using the amendment process. What Must Happen Before any BM version is declared authoritative: Disclose all discrepancies between the English and BM texts for public review; Obtain consent from Sabah and Sarawak as required by Articles 161E(1), 161E(2)(c), and 161E(2)(d); Use the amendment procedure under Article 159 if substantive legal changes occur; Establish a Constitutional Harmonisation Commission to conduct a line-by-line reconciliation of both versions of the Constitution, ensuring consistency of meaning. This Commission should include judicial and constitutional experts from all regions, including Sabah and Sarawak. Until then, the English version must remain authoritative — not because it is in English, but because it is legally and constitutionally valid. Don't Change the Constitution Without Saying So If this move proceeds without proper process and consent, it sets a chilling precedent - that the Constitution can be changed by translation, not legislation. Language can unite a country — or unmake its laws. We must not allow a quiet switch of wording to transform the rights of millions, especially in Sabah and Sarawak. To do so without consent is not just unconstitutional. The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]
The Age
6 days ago
- Business
- The Age
Aurum strikes 7.5-gold ounce dirt in West African ground
Aurum Resources has reported exceptional recent results from ongoing exploration diamond drilling at the company's Boundiali gold project in Côte d'Ivoire, where it holds an 80 per cent interest in the BM tenement. The company has completed 23 diamond core holes totalling 5728.9 metres of drilling at its BM Target 3 deposit within Boundiali. The program has yielded more high-grade gold intercepts, including a best hole delivering 4.2m at 80.64 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 107m depth, including 2.9m at 116.66g/t gold and 1.43m at an astonishing 234.35g/t gold. A separate run intercepted 5.66m at 6.99g/t gold from 121m. A 234.35g/t gold grade equates to more than 7.5 Troy ounces of gold per tonne. A second-best hole intercepted 13m at 2.18g/t gold from 40m, including 5m at 3.39g/t gold. A third-best hole in the current assays cored through 3m at 4.32g/t gold from 332m, including 1m at 8.88g/t gold. 'It is my pleasure to announce further shallow high-grade gold intercepts at the Boundiali project, including 234.35 g/t gold over 1.43m within 80.46 g/t gold over 4.2m from 107m.' Aurum Resources managing director Dr Caigen Wang All depths are downhole dimensions. The true widths are estimated to be between 60–80 per cent of the downhole lengths. The latest results further strengthen the overall highly prospective indications gained from a growing body of recent drilling results. These now include 17 selected holes with hot intercepts such as 3m at 50.56g/t gold from 124m, including 1m at 150.5g/t gold, a long run of 29m at 1.55g/t from 178m, including 13m at 2.19g/t gold, and a separate hole which nailed 1.19m at an eye-watering 277.54g/t gold from 31m. The last results equate to 8.9 ounces per tonne. Aurum Resources managing director Dr Caigen Wang said: 'It is my pleasure to announce further shallow high-grade gold intercepts at the Boundiali project, including 234.35 g/t gold over 1.43m within 80.46 g/t gold over 4.2m from 107m. This intercept, located 70m west and 100m down dip from a 230m-long artisanal open pit, was from drilling targeting extensions of known mineralisation in the current BMT3 MRE.'
New Straits Times
24-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Student killed in crash the day she was to take her BM oral test
SEBERANG JAYA: A Form Five student who was killed in a road crash at KM136.8 of the North-South Expressway here was scheduled to sit for her Bahasa Melayu oral examination for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) trial today. According to Kosmo, Nurul Ain Nadhirah Zulkhairi, 17, a student of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Datuk Haji Ahmad Badawi in Kepala Batas, was killed after the motorcycle she was riding pillion skidded following a burst tyre at 9.47pm. Her close friend, Norsyafiqah Mawardah Che Kak, 17, said she received a phone call from a friend informing her of the accident at around 10pm. "Although we were not in the same class, we were like sisters. I've known her since Form One and I'm close to her family. "She stayed in Permatang Manggis while I'm in Pajak Song. She was supposed to sit for her BM oral test tomorrow (today)," she told Kosmo Recalling their final moments together, Norsyafiqah said they last met on Monday night when they went out for dinner in Bertam, Kepala Batas. "She persuaded me several times to go out with her that night. I was tired but I gave in and we rode our motorcycles out around 9pm. Norsyafiqah described Nurul Ain as a kind-hearted person who loved helping others. "If I was unwell, she would be the first to visit me at home. Her absence is deeply felt," she said while accompanying Nurul Ain's remains from the Forensic Department of Seberang Jaya Hospital (HSJ). Nurul Ain was laid to rest at the Islamic cemetery of Masjid Al-Jamiul Badawi in Kepala Batas. Meanwhile, Seberang Perai Tengah district police chief Assistant Commissioner Helmi Aris said the victim died after the motorcycle she was riding pillion with a 23-year-old man was involved in an accident on Monday night. "Initial investigation showed that the motorcycle was travelling from Juru to Sungai Dua. "When they reached the scene, the rear tyre suddenly burst, causing the rider to lose control and veer into the left lane of the road shoulder. "The rider sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Seberang Jaya Hospital, while the pillion rider, a 17-year-old girl, was pronounced dead at the scene," he said. The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
Daily Record
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Rylan Clark makes intimate confession and as he shares relationship 'worry'
Rylan Clark has opened up about his sex life and how it's been impacted by the breakdown of his marriage to ex-husband Dan Neal, admitting he's 'worried' about one thing Rylan Clark has opened up about a relationship concern he's been grappling with since his marriage ended. The BBC Radio 2 presenter parted ways from former husband Dan Neal in 2021. This followed Rylan's admission that he had been unfaithful during an earlier period of their relationship. Whilst he believes it was the "right thing to happen," Rylan revealed he experienced a "full-on breakdown" following the separation. The former X Factor contestant is now prepared to pursue love once more, reports the Manchester Evening News. However, he's observed a significant shift in his behaviour when becoming intimate with other men. On his How to Be in Love podcast, the 36-year-old shared: "I have found that, since the breakdown of my marriage, if I've gone on any dates or started seeing people, when I've had sex with them, I lose interest pretty quickly. "I actually got pretty worried about a year or two ago because I thought, hang on a minute, I don't remember this from BM I call it, before marriage. I don't remember having sex with someone, or orgasming with someone, climaxing, and then after that thinking, 'Oh, I'm just not bothered now'." Neuroscientist Dr Tara Swart reckons the aftermath of his marriage breakdown may have affected Rylan's post-intimacy emotions. She responded: "So now that you've put it like that, with the BM, that probably, because you were so hurt, something has changed for you." To which the former Celebrity Big Brother winner responded: "I did worry for a long time that, almost like I was frightened to commit or open myself fully to someone, because going through a break-up is quite hard." Rylan has previously opened up about feeling like a "failure" following his divorce. Chatting to former Love Islander Tasha Ghouri, he revealed: "When I went through my divorce, I had a full-on breakdown because it wasn't just us. "It felt like it wasn't just us, even though it was just me and my ex. I felt that everyone's going to think this of me. Everyone's going to think, 'Oh look, his life isn't perfect. Oh look, he's failed like that.' I just felt like a failure." In a heart-to-heart with Stephen Fry, Rylan confessed he battled with the public scrutiny surrounding the split. He revealed: "There was part of me that just felt like a complete and utter failure. I felt like I'd failed personally, but I felt like I'd failed publicly on behalf of - the gays! You know, I'm not, I'm not 'head gay', it's not that." The presenter reflected on readying himself for romance again in his memoir, TEN: The Decade That Changed My Future. In the book, he penned: "I got in a relationship quite young and just went with it. Now I know I'm my own person. I'm not going to settle for something that's not right. In a way it's been a bit of a gift. "I'm happy to have sex with someone and that's that, that's not a problem. But do I want more? Of course I want more. Am I going to enjoy myself on the way? Abso-f***ing-lutely."
The Sun
21-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
B&M shoppers rush to buy handy home furniture scanning at just £15 instead of £35 – it'll transform your child's room
B&M shoppers are rushing to buy a handy piece of home furniture scanning for just £15 instead of £35. The discounter has slashed the price of the piece ideal for your child's room by 67%. Shoppers can pick up the Rainbow nine tub storage unit for the cut-price deal in store, although it might not be in all branches. One eagle-eyed customer found the bargain in their local B&M branch, posting about it on the B&M Scanner and Other Bargains Facebook page. They said: "My bargain of the day, reduced to £25 from £35 but actually scanned at £15 so I brought (sic) two. "Been looking for storage for little ones toys for ages and was reluctant to pay £50 plus for similar. Feeling very chuffed." Shoppers looking to find the storage unit themselves will have to head to their nearest B&M branch as the retailer doesn't offer a home delivery service. You can find your nearest B&M store via B&M says the storage unit should only be used inside while each of the nine tubs can store a maximum of two kilos each. Shoppers can buy it in two colours - Rainbow and Safari. The storage unit also comes with a customer satisfaction policy meaning if you're not happy with it you can return it within 30 days of purchase for a full refund or replacement. You just need to take your proof of purchase, like a receipt, with you. 6 ways to get the biggest bargains in B&M How to find bargains at B&M One of the best ways to find bargains at your local B&M store is by downloading the B&M scanner app. The app lets you use the camera on the your smartphone to scan barcodes and see what the true price of an item is. It can take time, but sometimes products selling for just 10p will show up. The app also offers you a description of the product you are scanning. B&M super shopper Sam Penney also recently revealed her six top tips for bagging a bargain at the discount chain too. The mum-of-two advised customers to look out for red and white stickers on products. These are not used by B&M often, but are worth keeping an eye out for as they are placed on products which have been reduced in price. Sam, who founded the B&M Scanner and Other Bargains Facebook page, also said shoppers will get the best bargains on Wednesday mornings. This is when products are slashed in price by staff. The bargain hunter also said it's worth speaking to B&M workers who can scan items and let you know if something is cheaper than its advertised price label. How to bag a bargain SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain… Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with. Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks. Sales are when you can pick up a real steal. Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on. Sign up to mailing lists and you'll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too. When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use and are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer. Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping. Bargain hunters can also use B&M's scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out. And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you'll get some of your money back or a discount on the item.
