Incoming PKR president Anwar Ibrahim has opined that there should be more public engagement on the need to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd).
"In my opinion, at this stage it would be wise to postpone (ratification efforts) so that discussions and dialogues with the grassroots can be held," said Anwar.
Anwar said PKR had supported Icerd in principle and Parliament has been told that the ratification of this treaty would not affect the rights of Muslims, bumiputera and Malays.
However, he conceded there are certain sections of the grassroots who remain unconvinced.
"According to UN's definition, even if there is positive discrimination, meaning to give more space to the Malays and bumiputera, then there has to be a time frame and explanation.
"These issues cause (Malays and bumiputera) to worry because most Malays and bumiputera are still marginalised, poor and backwards.
"There is a feeling that special attention by the government is needed," he said.
Anwar believed that Icerd was "not defective" because it promoted justice, but Putrajaya should consider local sentiments before implementing it.
"We have to consider the concerns (of the grassroots) and the possibility that it may cause ethnic friction," he said.
Six international treaties
Anwar said this during his weekly interview with Astro Awani's Ashwad Ismail that was aired on Nov 15. Excerpts of the interview where Anwar spoked about Icerd was published on his Facebook page last night.
On Sept 28, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had pledged to the UN General Assembly that Malaysia will ratify six remaining core UN instruments to protect human rights.
Malaysia is among 14 countries - including South Sudan, Myanmar and North Korea - which has yet to become an Icerd signatory.
Putrajaya has yet to set a timeframe to ratify the six treaties. Public engagement is set to begin next year. - Mkini
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