Malaysia will not ratify ICERD for now, says minister

Kamles Kumar Kamles Kumar Updated 5 years ago · Published on 18 Nov 2018 2:04PM · 4 Comments

Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali (in blue shirt)says economic policies introduced by PKR are not based on creed but on need. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Afif Abd Halim, November 18, 2018.

PUTRAJAYA is in no hurry to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), said Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali.

He said Pakatan Harapan had already effected the main elements of the pact when it took power in May.

“The Malays and Bumiputeras do not need to worry as we are not in a hurry to ratify ICERD. We already have implemented several main principles from the convention,” Azmin said while winding up the presidential debate at the PKR national congress in Shah Alam, today.

For example, he said, PKR’s economic distribution policy was not based on race.

“We in PKR have taken measures for all races will have equal share in the country’s economy. 

“The economic policy introduced by Anwar (Ibrahim) is not based on race but on need,” Azmin said, referring to the PKR president.

He said the Pakatan Harapan government also did not need to be cowed by the opposition opposed to the ICERD.

“Do not bow down to ‘big powers’ that want to teach us (what to do). We in PKR should be proud that our leadership has already implemented (the principles of ICERD).” 

Opposition parties PAS and Umno held a rally last night in Pasir Salak last night to protest the ratification of the ICERD.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi warned that Malays would run amok should the government insist on signing the treaty.

The opposition and several PH leaders have expressed concerns that signing the ICERD will lead to the erosion of Malay rights as enshrined in the federal constitution

Minister in Prime Minister’s Department P. Waythamoorthy, who has pressed for ratification, has become the target of abuse by Malay rights groups as well as a Umno Supreme Council member, who demanded that “this Indian man must be sacked from the cabinet”.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has said that Malaysia would only endorse the convention after consulting all the ethnic groups. – November 18, 2018.

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Comments

  • The Malays....their insecurities and the need for privileges. They'll never progress nor succeed. Their only chance of success is probably corruption. Pemalas!

    Posted 5 years ago by Mo Salleh · Reply

  • Does that mean we have no moral standing for the time being to criticise Myanmar, China and Israel for their human rights violations?

    Posted 5 years ago by Philip Ting · Reply

  • Yes....Minister Waytha......don't upset the New Government.....we MALAYSIANS have our own way of doing things....the First & Foremost is to heal the Economy of the Country destroyed by BN UMNO....

    Posted 5 years ago by Hantoo Blacklord · Reply

  • There is nothing in ICERD that is inconsistent with Articles 3, 89, 152, 153 and 181 of the Federal Constitution. Those opposing it should go and read the text first. We are the only Muslim majority country not to sign and ratify the ICERD. Since the problem is one of perception instigated by UMNO and PAS, the government should engage with all relevant stakeholders including legal experts from home and abroad before deciding on signing and ratifying ICERD. In the interim, the government should introduce bills in Parliament to deal with race relations, gender discrimination and equal opportunities. These new laws can incorporate the provisions in ICERD.

    Posted 5 years ago by Gerard Lourdesamy · Reply