Dr Mahathir says implementing ICERD ‘almost impossible’

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 18 Nov 2018 7:52PM · 4 Comments

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad says to implement ICERD, the federal constitution has to be amended, requiring a two-thirds majority in Parliament. He says this is unlikely to be achieved. – EPA pic, November 18, 2018.

DR Mahathir Mohamad said implementing the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) would require amending the federal constitution, something almost impossible to do.

A two-thirds parliamentary majority is needed for this to happen, said the prime minister.

He said this is nearly impossible to achieve given the Dewan Rakyat’s composition, and the protests raised by both government and opposition lawmakers over ICERD.

“Only with the support of the opposition can we have a two-thirds majority, and even then, government members themselves may not support it. So, I feel that it’s almost impossible for us to achieve the two-thirds majority necessary (to amend the constitution),” he told Malaysian media at the end of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Port Moresby.

Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir and Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman have expressed their reservations regarding ICERD, and opposition parties are planning to organise a joint rally next month to object to its proposed ratification.

Dr Mahathir said ICERD is a sensitive matter to Malays, and that the government does not reject the community’s views.

“This matter is sensitive to Malays, we understand that. In my speech at the United Nations (General Assembly), I mentioned the complexity of implementing ICERD. So, we didn’t commit to it.” – Bernama, November 18, 2018.

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Comments

  • DR. MAHATHIR TO THE RESCUE AGAIN!..

    Posted 5 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

    • By pointing out the impossibility of ratification under prevailing circumstances Dr. Mahathir has defused the unhealthy situation developing. But Malaysians stand educated on the subject?..

      Posted 5 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

    • We shall miss Dr. Mahathir's wise input when he gives up the PM's job in 2O2O. He should actually be PM for life. Hopefully he can be drafted into the Council of Eminent Persons (CEP) where his advice can be tapped by the govt. No doubt he will continue with his blog postings to inform/educate us all?..

      Posted 5 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

  • It is easy and cowardly way of facing a problem by saying that something is impossible. Just look at the way Britain is coming out of the EU. Let the people decide. Just look at the PH GE14 manifesto that influenced and gave the power to change the government. So far the voice of the group who have been getting the unlimited benefits from the special privileges are the ones threatening action if ICERD is implemented. Why not for a start put some law and order into these special privileges? Maybe we should have a record of how many such privileges someone has enjoyed, in what aspect of life, these privileges are popular, so that more can be done to satisfy the needs. As a people, Malaysians need some self respect and pride.

    Posted 5 years ago by Shaikh karim · Reply