Anwar denies claims govt preventing 3R-related discussions

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (left) has told Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin that calling for violence or instigating fights between races is something he would not compromise on.

KUALA LUMPUR: 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed the opposition’s accusations that his administration was preventing discussions revolving around religion, race and royalty, better known as the 3R issues.

Anwar said the government only wanted to thwart any attempt to incite the public as it could lead to chaos.

That’s not true,

 Anwar said, referring to Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin’s claim.

“Go ahead and discuss race and religious matters. And if one is unsatisfied, by all means protest. But what we won’t allow is incitement. 

Calling for violence or instigating fights between races for whatever reason is something I will not compromise on to ensure the safety of the people and the nation,

 he said in a speech to commemorate the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia’s (Suhakam) 25th anniversary.

In a statement yesterday, Muhyiddin claimed the party’s efforts to defend Malay and Bumiputera rights, as well as upholding the position of Islam as enshrined in the Federal Constitution, were being framed as 3R crimes.

We are accused of incitement and face threats of prosecution even though our aim is merely to uphold the legitimate struggle of our party,

 he said.

Anwar went on to say that every political party in the country must be mindful of the fact that the royal institution should not be dragged into politics.

He said the royalty could not respond to claims made about them.

Meanwhile, Anwar reminded Suhakam to help provide a better understanding on the importance of ratifying the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) and the Rome Statute.

ICERD obliges parties to eliminate racial discrimination in all forms, including in public institutions and government policies, while the Rome Statute grants the International Criminal Court jurisdiction to prosecute crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and crimes of aggression.

The government withdrew from ratifying the two global treaties six years ago, with then prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad saying he was forced to do so due to the confusion which arose over the issue within the country.

Anwar said the lack of understanding on the two treaties would only cause havoc.

“Not everyone understands that with freedom comes responsibility and if unregulated by law would cause chaos.

The ICERD and Rome Statute have some good positions but a shallow understanding of them would invite damaging reactions. - FMT