After ICERD backlash, Putrajaya urged to tackle B40’s needs

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 25 Nov 2018 10:10AM · 3 Comments

A farmer feeding his cattle in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu. Malaysia needs better policies to ensure better distribution of resources to tackle poverty. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Nazir Sufari, November 25, 2018.

THE massive opposition to the ratification of an anti-racism convention shows that Putrajaya must focus on coming up with policies that provide affirmative action for those in the bottom 40% (B40), said rights group Aliran.

Malay rights groups strongly opposed the ratification of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms or Racial Discrimination (ICERD), claiming that the move would lead to the negation of Article 153 of the federal constitution which safeguards the special position of Bumiputeras.

As a result, Putrajaya said on Friday the government would not ratify ICERD.

In a statement today, Aliran said while the country should stand firm and resolute against all forms of discrimination, the level of opposition “indicate that as a nation we are not yet ready nor sufficiently mature to accept” ICERD.

“It is here that the Pakatan Harapan government and concerned groups must acknowledge and tackle the insecurity and real needs among many Malays,” it said.

The group urged the government to formulate policies that will ensure better distribution of resources and tackle poverty so that hardcore poverty among both Malays and non-Malays could no longer be manipulated by groups for political gain.

“If all forms of affirmative action are clearly directed at the deserving based on need, poor Malay farmers, smallholders, workers and fishermen will definitely benefit.

“The upside of an affirmative action policy that is colour blind will also ensure that poor non-Malays will also be taken care of.

“For us to move forward as one nation towards the coveted status of developed nation, policies and structures must be put in place to create a socio-political environment where different ethnic, religious and political backgrounds are no longer a divisive factor.”

Despite the government’s backtracking on the ICERD ratification, Umno and PAS said they will proceed with a planned rally on December 8 to oppose the convention. – November 25, 2018.

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Comments

  • Hasn't this all already been spelt out in the objectives of the NEP? Who hijacked it for their own benefit?

    Posted 5 years ago by Arul Inthirarajah · Reply

  • Set people free, they will strive on their own!
    Out of the real world doctrines and welfarism are poisons!

    Look east, look west and look at the local Chinese and Indians! What do they have different from the Malaysians?

    Posted 5 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • NEP's 30% ownership target by Bumiputeras was achieved long ago but what use is 30% when it is given to a handful of Malay individuals? Indeed the base is important but any meaningful help must look at how the hundreds of billions sitting in our kleptocrats' account could be recovered to assist the majority bumi B40 regardless of race. Only then can our nation progress when every one including the tuans do their part.

    Posted 5 years ago by Roger 5201 · Reply