Ratifying UN convention won't affect Malay rights, says minister

Updated 7 years ago · Published on 27 Oct 2018 9:27PM · 4 Comments

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department P. Waythamoorthy says the ICERD will boost Malaysia's human rights record, in line with Pakatan's election manifesto. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, October 27, 2018.

RATIFYING the United Nations’ International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) will not affect Article 153 of the Federal Constitution, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department P. Waythamoorthy today.

The minister in charge of national unity and social wellbeing said ratifying ICERD was a way to boost the country’s human rights record, in line with Pakatan Harapan’s general election manifesto.

In a statement, Waythamoorthy assured that the government would engage all stakeholders to get feedback on ICERD.

“The government is not rushing to ratify ICERD as it wants to gather as much feedback as possible,” he said while dispelling speculation that ratifying the convention was intended to challenge or abolish Article 153. 

The article touches on, among others, the special position of the Malays and Bumiputeras, and the legitimate interests of other communities.

“In our context, we can ratify ICERD with reservations. We can either do it by way of accession or ratification. Two options, we can choose whatever we want. In any event, whichever option we take, it can be done with reservation,” said Waythamoorthy.

“In line with our commitment towards the United Nations and in enhancing human rights, it would be advisable to ratify it but with reservations, and ensure the Federal Constitution is upheld with the intention of the original framers.” 

The minister also said that “unfounded fear” was causing many to speculate on the ratification of ICERD.

He assured that institutions, like Mara, and other agencies that uplift the needy among the Bumiputera community, would not be in any way be affected by the ratification of ICERD.

“The Pakatan Harapan government is committed to safeguarding all provisions contained in the Federal Constitution. Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has assured that Pakatan Harapan will defend the Bumiputera agenda and protect Malay rights as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.” 

Waythamoorthy had said on October 24 that the government was committed to ratifying six treaties, including ICERD, in the first quarter of next year. – Bernama, October 27, 2018.

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Comments

  • THINKING, in the English language and speaking, in Bahasa will save not only the Malays but all Malaysians as well, and help them progress fast! SARAWAK DID RIGHT TO RECOGNISE THIS FACT A FEW DAYS AGO TO GIVE PROMINENCE TO ENGLISH. So let the rest of Malaysia also follow suit?..

    Posted 7 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

    • At the time of British-ruled Malaya's independence (MERDEKA) in 1957, we already had English as the medium of instruction in school, which was helping the Malays to progress in education. My best friends in upper secondary school were 2 Malay boys who spoke good English during our communication with each other. English would have made Malays great today, if Umno-BN had not replaced English with less-efficient Bahasa in education, teaching & learning. DO WE WANT TO BE GREAT IN THE WORLD, OR NOT?..

      Posted 7 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

  • English language is Universal . It is a very plus point to Master English language . The Malays in the 50s 60s n 70s mastered the English language that is why they manage to sustain their Post in Govt bodies. Todays Malay the 80s onwards are stupid in English . They cannot read or write proper English . So the Malays LOSE OUT at Local n worst more at International level. The Politicians of Malaysia are smart they send their children to International Schools to master English bcoz they know that in Sekolah Keb schools are teaching students how to butcher animals only n how to be racist only . Agenda in schools is not to Study it is just to develop hatred n ill feelings among Students of different Fate. We Non Malay are LUCKY we speak our mother tongue n English at home so our kids pick up English easily n fast

    Posted 7 years ago by Tharan Singh · Reply

    • Heres another clown claiming his english is good. Total self absorbed schmuck

      Posted 7 years ago by Dayang Fazrina Abang Yasir · Reply