The DAP’s Anthony Loke, whose party has often been accused of being anti-Islam and anti-Malay, said today that the Pakatan alliance would uphold key provisions of the federal constitution.

In explaining the formal Pakatan Harapan agreement to be signed by the component parties today, Loke said the opposition parties would protect and uphold Islam as the religion of the federation while ensuring other religions could be practiced in line with Article 3 of the Constitution.

“We will protect the special position of the Malays and Sabah and Sarawak Bumiputeras in line with Article 153, we will defend the role and responsibilities of the constitutional monarchy institution.”

Loke, who is MP for Seremban, said Pakatan Harapan would uphold Bahasa Malaysia and strengthen the use of the language as a lingua franca and language of knowledge. At the same time, vernacular languages would be protected with greater use of English to improve Malaysia’s international competitiveness.

Pakatan Harapan would acknowledge the position of Sabah and Sarawak in line with the provisions and spirit of the Malaysian Agreement of 1963, he said.

Loke said Pakatan’s common policy framework would take into account the views of all public and religious institutions, civil rights groups, women, youth, undergraduates, professionals, minorities, and others.