Anwar: Why the rush to ratify ICERD?

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim says PKR ministers should consider feedback from the grassroots.

SHAH ALAM: Anwar Ibrahim today said there should be no qualms about ratifying a United Nations rights treaty on racial discrimination but questioned why it should take precedence over other reforms.

Anwar, who officially assumed the role of PKR president today, pointed out that Putrajaya’s current priorities should instead be on eradicating corruption, improving the economy, and incorporating good governance.

He nevertheless rubbished concerns that ratifying the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) would be against the Federal Constitution and would affect Malay rights.

The Port Dickson MP also questioned why Umno and PAS were holding protests over the decision to begin talks on ratifying ICERD.

“I’m not concerned,” Anwar told reporters after the 13th National PKR Congress here. “It is hypocritical of them (Umno) to talk about (preserving) Malay rights.

“Is squandering billions from 1MDB Islamic (instead)?” Anwar asked, referring to charges brought against former prime minister Najib Razak in recent months related to alleged money laundering from the state-investment fund.

In recent weeks, pro-Malay rights and Muslim groups have been up in arms over the decision to ratify ICERD as they claimed that it would contravene Article 153 of the Federal Constitution.

Article 153 is an affirmative action policy for Malays and the Bumiputeras, which includes the natives of Sabah and Sarawak. It gives them priority for positions in the public service and other privileges.

Critics are up in arms because this can no longer be the case if the ICERD is ratified. Article 2.2 of the ICERD places a timeframe on affirmative action policies and ICERD signatories must eventually stop doing this.

However, a number of countries have ratified ICERD with reservations, including most Muslim-majority countries which are Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries. Putrajaya has indicated that it will do this too.

Anwar, in his earlier speech at the Congress, explained that he would bring up the matter in a meeting with the PKR top guns.

He also said PKR ministers must give space for grassroots feedback. - FMT