Constitution of Malaysia

In a sudden moment of "i don't now what happened!" ... I picked up the Constitution of Malaysia and read the first few pages while waiting at Borders bookstore before heading to pick Elysia for a doctors appointment.

perhaps it's because I've been asking myself lately what does it mean to be a Malaysian citizen who "loves" the country. And this practice of reading a most basic document will help me connect with the land where I'm living in!

From Article 4:
"(1) This Constitution is the supreme law of the Federation and any law passed after Merdeka Day which is inconsistent with this Constitution shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void."

From Article 11:
"(1) Every person has the right to profess and practice his religion and, subject to Clause (4), to propagate it.

(2) No person shall be compelled to pay any tax the proceeds of which are specially allocated in whole or in part for the purposes of a religion other than his own.

(3) Every religious group has the right -

(a) to manage its own religious affairs;

(b) to establish and maintain institutions for religious or charitable purposes; and

(c) to acquire and own property and hold and administer it in accordance with law.

(4) State law and in respect of the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Lubuan, federal law may control or restrict the propagation of any religious doctrine or belief among persons professing the religion of Islam.

(5) This Article does not authorize any act contrary to any general law relating to public order, public health or morality. "

I've been hearing these two Articles a lot the past years and it definately stood out for me ... and it's been on my mind since yesterday especially thinking about what led to the amendments in Article 11. And even as the words continue to ring in my mind, I'm thinking what part can I play or we could play to "construct" together with others --> a better home for our children where for them reaching out to "the other" who is unlike them has less barriers whether it's from without or within. This home we call Malaysia needs to be "better" for ALL!

May God bless Malaysia ... (how is this blessing seen and expressed through us?)