MALAYSIA does not need to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination so long as it holds on to the principles of justice and equality for all, said Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

“More so when Amanah is part of the government and will uphold equality for all.  

“Only those who threaten other races and cultures need ICERD,” said the Amanah strategist at the party convention’s winding-up session in Ipoh today.

He said Amanah would continue to uphold justice, equal rights for all, and freedom of religion in a constitutional monarchy defined by the constitution.

Dzulkefly, who is also the health minister, was explaining why the party was charting a different brand of political Islam at its party convention.

He said that Amanah, after its electoral success that saw the appointment of four ministers and five deputy ministers from its 11 MPs, did not want to follow in PAS’ footsteps.

He said it would have been easy for Amanah to retreat and gain the support of Malays and Muslims only.

“But do we want to be PAS 2.0?” said Dzulkefly.

He said that as long as Malaysia’s demography consisted of 60% Malays and 40% non-Malays, it was important to gain the support of all.

“This is the time for us to say that we will not retreat from defending an Islam that is inclusive and progressive by supporting the principle of ‘rahmatan al-amin’ (benefiting all).

“We must not be trapped in the racial extremism of Umno, or the narrow definitions of Islam by PAS,” said the Kuala Selangor MP. – December 16, 2018.