No trouble over ICERD unless Zahid causes it, says Dr Mahathir

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 18 Nov 2018 3:53PM · 5 Comments

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad says there will be no trouble over the ratification of the ICERD, unless Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi instigates people to riot. Zahid had said yesterday that Malays will rise in anger if the UN convention is ratified. – EPA pic, November 18, 2018.

PRIME Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has assured Malaysians there will be no trouble over Putrajaya’s efforts to ratify an international treaty against racial discrimination, unless instigated by Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi .

The prime minister said the matter was sensitive to the Malay community and the government will listen to public opinion.

“Unless Zahid stirs up trouble, there will be no riot,” Dr Mahathir was quoted as saying by the Malay Mail today at a press conference at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) 2018 Summit in Papua New Guinea.

Zahid had said yesterday that Malays will rise in anger if the Pakatan Harapan government ratifies the ICERD.

“We are not just giving a warning. We will show that if ICERD is not rejected, Umno, PAS, and the Malays will unite and fight against it nationwide. Don’t push us to do that,” he said at a rally to oppose ICERD in Pasir Salak last night.

Zahid was referring to an earlier warning given by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang that millions of people would hit the streets to protest should the government proceed to ratify the UN convention.

The opposition leader said that Umno and PAS had been wrong to fight against each other in the past, resulting in both parties being defeated heavily in the GE14.

Umno and PAS have agreed to hold a rally to protest against the ICERD, which commits its members to eliminate racial discrimination and promote understanding among all races, in Kuala Lumpur on December 8.

Hadi said the rally would be held nationwide.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department P. Waytha Moorthy was reported as saying that Malaysia would ratify ICERD and five other treaties as early as the first quarter of next year.

On November 1, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir had said that Malaysia would only endorse the convention after consulting with all ethnic groups in the country.

Umno, PAS, and several PH leaders have expressed concerns over the move to ratify the ICERD, as they fear it will erode Malay rights enshrined in the federal constitution.

Earlier this week, Waytha Moorthy said the government would not abolish Article 153 of the federal constitution in favour of ICERD.

“The government has no intention of abolishing Article 153.

“I also want to state as a lawyer that no discrimination is involved, and the special position of the Malays and natives, including those from Sabah and Sarawak, will be safeguarded and protected. – November 18, 2018.

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Comments

  • Dear Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, take note that you have been warned by the PM. Instigate trouble for your own ends, and the law will take care of you. Don't threaten to unleash the 3-line and other trouble makers like the red shirts and butt shakers. Enough of your fist raising. The PM will not allow it to become sword raising and wielding. Don't use your position to instigate the simple, peace loving Malaysians.

    Posted 5 years ago by Ravinder Singh · Reply

  • this zahid indon had always play religion and race to divert attention from his corruption case. stay focus and make he he stay in bamboo river for a long time

    Posted 5 years ago by . . · Reply

  • Zahid is an Indonesian origin born He is not malaysian For him to Put Malaysia in Chaos is something Thrilling n to his n his family advantage . It is up to the MALAYS to be Smart n Tactfull in Saving Malaysia

    Posted 5 years ago by Tharan Singh · Reply

  • Is very sad what is happening in Msia After stealing malaysia coffers Still can speak Loud with Threat . Malaysia is Sinking Thanks to the Malays

    Posted 5 years ago by Tharan Singh · Reply

  • Zahid if choose to act stupid, he will really land himself into avery hot soup. Any chaos or riots are his account to to be accorded. In my years of seeing Mahatir past reign and even now, it is very seldom when he makes caustic remarks solely alluding to the person intended. I can place my bet that Zahid will be whisked off for many new charges coming his way and his trail will be expedited to put him in the slammers for good. This Indon Malaysian wanabees is just seeking out for troubles thinking that his asocaition with thugs of Pekida and other useless hard core wannabees will protect him and causes mayhem. Look at Jamal Jamban, the foul mouth big bull shitter now becoming ineffective and move not even an inch out of his controlled behaviour. What thug ?? . Same goes to this Indon goblok thinking he is a pahlawan. Put him in the slammer for a few days with the real hard core of die hard criminals relishing on zero tolerance , he will come out very very tame and will be willing to accept all charges with requested conditions of solitude penitentiary.

    Posted 5 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply