THE Umno-PAS protest against the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) on December 8 can go on, said Hanipa Maidin.

“December 8 can go on and I hope you will protest properly,” the deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department told Tajudin Rahman (BN-Pasir Salak) in Parliament today.

“We have no issues with the protest as democracy tolerates people like Pasir Salak. So, don’t worry. But please use the democratic freedom given responsibly,” said Hanipa.

“Protest all you want as long as it is done responsibly with sound arguments.”

Hanipa was replying to Larry Sng (PH-Julau) on the government’s efforts to ensure the separation of powers between the executive, legislature and judiciary.

Hanipa told the huse that the democratic space in Malaysia had opened up since Pakatan Harapan took over on May 9 before Tajudin’s interjection. 

“The freedom since Pakatan took over is very apparent. Those who disagree with the government’s policies are voicing their opinions freely everywhere,” said Hanipa.

The rally on December 8 is to protest against Malaysia’s plan to ratify ICERD. – November 22, 2018.