Dewan Speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof rejected today PKR president Anwar Ibrahim’s motion to debate the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

“I know there are a lot of animated responses from certain quarters on this issue. However, I do not regard it as a matter that needs to be prioritised,” Ariff said, who rejected the motion under Standing Order 19. 

Earlier, Anwar said the debate would clear up “confusion” over the issue.

“There are still voices that ask whether I am still with Pakatan Harapan on the issues of language, of Islam or the rights of the Malays.”

“Let it be known that these matters are written into law and cannot be taken away.”

“The rejection of ICERD does not mean we encourage discrimination. We reject all forms of discrimination in the country.” 
 
Pro-Malay rights groups, along with Umno and PAS, have called for a rally in protest of the government’s plan to ratify the UN convention. 

They said ratifying the ICERD would erode the special privileges of Malays and the position of Islam in the country.   

Even after Putrajaya announced it would not ratify the ICERD, organisers said they would still proceed with the protest to “celebrate” their success at getting the government to back down.

The mass protest will be held on Jalan Raja, opposite the Sultan Abdul Samad building and Dataran Merdeka on 2pm to 6pm on Saturday.

Malaysia, along with North Korea, Myanmar and South Sudan, are among the 14 countries yet to ratify the treaty. 

Muslim countries signatory to the treaty include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran. – December 6, 2018.