The 26th Perdana Discourse Series (PDS26), themed “Upholding the Constitution: Challenges and Opportunities”, held at the Perdana Leadership Foundation on 5 November 2026 examined the role of Malaysia’s Federal Constitution in shaping the nation’s governance, institutions, and future. The event featured Datuk Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi, Emeritus Professor, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), former Holder of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Chair, Universiti Malaya (UM), former Holder of the Tun Hussein Onn Chair, ISIS Malaysia, and former Member of the Judicial Appointments Commission. More than 160 participants, including academics, students from public and private higher education institutions, and members of the public, attended the discourse
The session began with opening remarks by Mr Mahmood Razak Bahman, Alternate Trustee of the Perdana Leadership Foundation, who highlighted the importance of understanding the Federal Constitution amid Malaysia’s evolving political, economic, and social landscape. He emphasised that informed public discussion is essential to addressing constitutional challenges and strengthening the principles of good governance.
In his keynote address, Datuk Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi described the Federal Constitution as the supreme law of the land and “our document of destiny”. He emphasised that a democratic constitution extends beyond its written provisions, encompassing fundamental principles such as constitutionalism, the rule of law, separation of powers, judicial independence, and due process. He noted that “a constitution balances the might of the state with the rights of the citizens”, underscoring its role in safeguarding individual rights while defining the powers and responsibilities of government institutions.
He further highlighted constitutional supremacy, explaining that all three branches of government – the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary – are subject to the Constitution. He stressed that the separation of powers provides a system of checks and balances, observing that “The power of one institution checks the power of other institutions. That is the doctrine of separation of powers.” He also pointed to the gap between constitutional principles and their practical implementation, underscoring the need to uphold these principles. In this regard, he emphasised the importance of strengthening constitutional literacy among Malaysians, including among legal practitioners and Members of Parliament, and advocated for constitutional patriotism among all Malaysians. Constitutional patriotism, he said, can act as a unifying force for the betterment of the nation.
In his concluding remarks, he called on Malaysians to take collective responsibility for upholding the Constitution. “We all have a role to play to strengthen our Constitution, to stand up and be counted in favour of constitutionalism, rule of law, and separation of powers,” he stated, adding that citizens can make a difference by speaking up whenever the Constitution is not respected whether in letter or spirit.
A panel session followed the keynote, during which panellist Datuk Associate Professor Dr Shamrahayu Ab Aziz, Lecturer, Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws (AIKOL), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), emphasised the need for effective mechanisms to strengthen constitutional accountability, guided by the principles of the Rukun Negara. She also explained the role of Syariah Law within the context of the Constitution, and agreed with the keynote speaker on the importance of promoting constitutional literacy and fostering a sense of constitutional responsibility among Malaysians.
Dr Ikmal Hisham Md Tah, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), addressed the constitutional complexities surrounding Negeri Sembilan, particularly the relationship between customary institutions, royal institutions, and state administration. He emphasised that all parties, including state and federal authorities, must respect and uphold the Federal Constitution while giving due consideration to the role of customary rulers and the state’s unique customary practices. He also advocated “muafakat” (consensus) as an important means of resolving disputes through constructive engagement and mutual understanding among the parties involved.
Mr Muhammad Faris Fiqran Muhamad, MMU Chancellor’s Award Recipient 2025 and Top 10 Tokoh Siswa Negara 2025 and 2026, highlighted the importance of constructive youth participation in national affairs and distinguishing campus politics from broader national issues. He emphasised that rebuilding trust between young people and political institutions requires the government and Parliament to respond to the changing interests and expectations of the younger generation. Rather than relying on conventional approaches, he encouraged policymakers to engage with young people through platforms they actively use. As he put it, “Instead of opposing them, join them.” He also highlighted the influence of social media in shaping young people’s opinions, providing spaces for self-expression, and fostering connections.
The panel discussion was moderated by Mr Ismail Adnan, News Anchor and Presenter at Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), who emphasised on the media’s role in helping the public understand key constitutional matters, including freedom of expression, separation of powers, and the rights and privileges enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
First held in 2004, the Perdana Discourse Series facilitates dialogue and knowledge exchange between distinguished Malaysian leaders and young Malaysians. It is organised by Perdana Leadership Foundation and sponsored by DRB-HICOM Berhad. A monograph documenting the discourse will be published in 2027.
For enquiries or future collaborations, please contact the Coordinators of this event:
- Puan Nurul Humaira Kamarulzaman (humaira@perdana.org.my / nhkperdana@gmail.com, 03-8885 8960)
- Encik Muizzuddin Munir / (muizzuddin@perdana.org.my /muizmunir2@gmail.com, 03-8885 8979)
About Perdana Discourse Series (PDS):
Perdana Discourse Series is a half-day event where a prominent presenter will speak on a pre-determined topic addressing its definition and identifying issues, policies, and strategies. Discussions and issues arising from the discourse will be documented and published in monograph form. The Discourse has previously dissected topics such as National Unity, Social Re-engineering, Political Stability, Economic Development, Affirmative Action, International Relations, Education, and Leadership.
About Perdana Leadership Foundation
www.perdana.org.my
Perdana Leadership Foundation is a non-profit organisation established in January 2003 to document, disseminate, research, and archive materials related to the past Prime Ministers of Malaysia. The Foundation intends to become the premier institution for the study of Malaysia’s Prime Ministers and the central resource centre for research into national stewardship as well as a platform for reflection, debate, and discussion with distinguished figures in Malaysian leadership. Our Honorary President is the fourth and seventh Prime Minister of Malaysia, YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad. To date, we have digitised more than 500k materials, more than half of which are available for free through our website www.perdana.org.my. Membership for our library is offered at an annual fee of RM10, and Library membership is open to Malaysians over the age of 13; members also get to enjoy the library’s physical facilities located in a quiet enclave of Precinct 8, Putrajaya.
About DRB-HICOM Berhad
DRB-HICOM Berhad is one of Malaysia’s leading group of companies listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia. DRB-HICOM plays an integral role in supporting the country’s transformation into a competitive, knowledge-based, and high-income nation. With over 93 operating companies, the Group provides employment to over 42,000 people. The Group’s businesses are organised under five core segments – Mobility, Banking, Postal, Services and Properties. We draw our strength from being a diversified yet integrated Group.
Today, DRB-HICOM remains one of Malaysia;s most established listed companies, thanks to an innovative and committed approach to its diverse portfolio. It has the advantage of being able to capitalise on synergistic opportunities, making it an important contributor to national development and economic growth.
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