The Equal Opportunity Act to curb discrimination with regard to employment will not contravene Article 153 of the Federal Constitution, which stipulates the special position of the Malays and indigenous people of East Malaysia, said lawyer Syahredzan Johan.

He said this is because Article 153 only concerned safeguarding the special position in several areas, such as public service and education.

"No, it will not breach the Federal Constitution. In fact, it is in line with Article 8 of the Constitution (which touches on) the right to equality and non-discrimination," he told Malaysiakini in a text message.