MALAYSIANS need not fear airing their views on the government proposal to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), said Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

The move, which has been slammed by Umno, PAS and Malay rights groups, has yet to be finalised, as the government is still gathering feedback.

“Bersatu has made a statement (on the matter), and I’ve said that this is just at the preliminary stage,” Muhyiddin told reporters in Putrajaya today.

“This is a democratic country, and we have an open view. Anyone can express their opinions, whether they are Pakatan Harapan members or not.”

He said he has received feedback from “various organisations” on the matter, adding that any decision reached would get the green light from all PH parties.

“This will revitalise democratic practices in our country. This will provide much input to the government. The cabinet will decide on the matter.

“Until then, give your opinions. Pro or contra, whether it’s good or not good.

“Bersatu has received much input from members who disagree (with ratifying ICERD). That’s their opinion, which I will bring up at the cabinet level. There are also views that we should reconsider and refine the proposal.

“Don’t worry if your opinions are not the same as others. It’s okay. It is a democracy. We don’t want to stifle people from expressing their views.”

On October 24, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department P. Waythamoorthy said the government was committed to ratifying six treaties, including ICERD, in the first quarter of next year.

He had said the convention would not affect Article 153 of the federal constitution, which touches on the special position of Malays and Bumiputeras, and the legitimate interests of other communities, among others.

He also gave an assurance that institutions like Mara and agencies that assist needy Bumiputeras would not be affected by the ratification of ICERD.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has said Malaysia will ratify the convention only after negotiations with all races are completed, and that it is no easy task given the country’s multiracial make-up.

His son, Bersatu deputy president Mukhriz Mahathir, has said it is not necessary for Malaysia to ratify ICERD because the convention is not suited to the country’s unique composition.

Mukhriz said ICERD is aimed at giving equal treatment to minority groups, but in Malaysia, “we have a unique situation where the majority group is marginalised from mainstream development”.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi over the weekend said his party, PAS, and civil groups will campaign against ICERD in a series of roadshows nationwide.

Several Muslim groups, including women’s rights group Sisters in Islam, have said most Muslim nations have ratified ICERD as the convention does not affect the religion’s sovereignty.

“The people should not get upset when views are expressed, as if they want to go to war,” said Muhyiddin.

“We are now starting to learn how to be a democratic country. Democracy must be kept alive. We should allow people to express their views.

“Don’t feel upset when people have different feelings. That’s how it is. The cabinet will decide what is best for the country. That is our guarantee.” – November 12, 2018.