Student calls for responsible use of rights

A Penang High School student in Rakiraki has urged the Constitution Review Commission (CRC) to consider stronger safeguards against the misuse of constitutional rights.

Year 13 student Lanieta Vesei said some freedoms were being abused rather than exercised responsibly.

She made the call during the CRC consultation, stressing that rights should be exercised with care and responsibility.

Vesei said constitutional rights were important and must be protected. However, there were instances where individuals misused those freedoms, affecting others and creating unnecessary problems in society.

"A strong Constitution does not only give people rights, it also encourages them to use those rights responsibly," she said.

She told the CRC that rights should not be seen as a licence to act without considering the impact on others.

CRC commissioner Dr Neelesh Goundar said Vesei's submission highlighted the need for a balance between freedom and responsibility.

"This is a principle that should be reflected in any future amendments to the 2013 Constitution," Dr Goundar said.

The CRC consultation is part of the nationwide review of the 2013 Constitution, allowing members of the public to share their views on changes they would like to see in the country's supreme law.