PUTRAJAYA must look into ratifying United Nation’s anti-discrimination convention so that “outdated views”, such as those made by Nazri Aziz, can be stopped, said the Human Right Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam).

Suhakam chairman Razali Ismail said racist remarks made by Barisan Nasional secretary-general were meant to incite discontent for the purpose of winning votes in the Semenyih by-election.

“In light of these remarks by a senior politician, Suhakam reiterates the call for the ratification of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) to prevent and eradicate all manifestations and practices of racial, religious and national hatred,” he said in a statement today.

Razali also said there was no law that dictated that the positions of the chief justice, attorney-general and finance minister must be occupied by a Malay.

He said it was the discretion and judgment of the duly elected government to appoint those who will best fulfil these roles.

“Outdated views on racism can no longer be tolerated in Malaysia Baru, where employment – particularly into the civil service – must take into account primarily competency for any appointment,” said Razali.

He also said Nazri’s claims that the death of firefighter Muhamad Adib Mohd Kassim has gone unpunished due to the fact that the attorney-general is not Malay was extremely offensive.

Razali said Attorney-General Tommy Thomas had ordered the inquest into Adib’s death in accordance with Section 339 (1) of the Criminal Procedure Code.

The A-G has also rejected an interim motion to stay the inquest pending a March 4 hearing, as the firefighter’s death is a matter of public interest, said the Suhakam chairman.

He said Suhakam recognises the special position of the Malays as an affirmative action embedded in the federal constitution.

“However, the protection of this position is not in opposition with the aforementioned appointments of non-Malays.”

Nazri was questioned by the police earlier today over his speech last Saturday in Beranang.

Putrajaya had originally planned to ratify ICERD but pulled back following protests from Malay groups, which said ratifying the treaty would negate the special position of Malays and Islam.

Some Malay supremacist groups believe making other races and religions equal to Malays and Islam will destroy the privileges Malay, the monarchy and Islam. – February 25, 2019.