The prime minister's political secretary said today that the upcoming "celebration" for the non-ratification of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd) only serves the ambitions of "glamour-crazy" opposition leaders Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Abdul Hadi Awang.
Labelling it an "anti-climax," Muhammad Zahid Md Arip said organisers Umno and PAS had deviated from the original intent of the anti-Icerd gathering, which was initially aimed at protesting the government's proposed ratification of the United Nations instrument.
"But when (the prime minister) Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the government would not ratify Icerd, they continued with the plan to hold the rally.
"This means that their craving to hold the rally cannot be broken," Muhammad Zahid (photo) said when met after officiating at a CSR programme in Setiawangsa.
'Start with thanks'
Commenting on the Umno president's intention to thank the government for not ratifying Icerd during the gathering, he said: "What do you expect from someone like Ahmad Zahid?"
Muhammad Zahid added that the gathering, slated to be held in the city centre on Dec 8, should start with a 'thank you' chant.
"Ahmad Zahid wants to say thank you. If that is the case, the rally will start with (protesters chanting) 'thank you, thank you'.
"And there will be no lashing out against Mahathir, the government and its leaders," he quipped.
"But if they do lash out, then I would say that this rally is nonsense."
Muhammad Zahid also joked that traders who had printed T-shirts for the rally can claim back potential losses from Yayasan Akal Budi, a welfare foundation linked to Ahmad Zahid.
"For those who have suffered losses after printing anti-Icerd tees, Yayasan Akal Budi can sponsor them, don't worry," he said. - Mkini
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