A new NGO in town, inspired by Malaysia's first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman, has been set up to deal with constitutional matters.

The People's Rights Organisation (Persatuan Hak Asasi Harapan Rakyat) president S Raveentharan (above) said respect for the Federal Constitution has continued to "wither away" after Tunku's rule, adding that every effort must be made to protect the rights of the minority.

"It is slowly decaying, especially after Dr Mahathir Mohamad took office (in 1982), where our multiracial Malaysia during the days of P Ramlee (1960s-70s) of people living in peace, respect and harmony, no longer exist," he said.