Don't link Icerd rally to temple riots, says PAS

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the upcoming rally against the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd) should not be linked to the recent riots at the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman temple.

"They are different things, and the riots have nothing to do with Icerd. We need to respect the right to religion.

"In Islam, even during a war, we cannot kill priests or monks nor destroy houses of worship," he told journalists at the Parliament lobby today.

Opponents of Icerd have claimed that it is a threat to the special position of the bumiputera and Islam.

Following weeks of protests, the government decided not to ratify Icerd, but groups opposed to the United Nations treaty, including Umno and PAS, announced that the rally will proceed on Dec 8.

'Cool down racial tensions'

Tuan Ibrahim also claimed the anti-Icerd rally could help cool down racial tensions in the country.

"We hope this rally can cool down the issue, not fuel it. This is not a racial rally, it is about national policy.

"We invite all races to come. I understand there would be some non-Malay NGOs that also will be participating," he said.

With regard to the Seafield riots, Tuan Ibrahim said old places of worship should be maintained, and any attempt to relocate them should be done in a harmonious manner.

Meanwhile, Umno secretary-general Annuar Musa echoed Tuan Ibrahim's statement that the anti-Icerd rally should not be linked to the riots.

"Don't create chaos, all quarters must play their role not only the police.

"The organisers should not make it a racial issue. It should be a peaceful rally in line with the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.

"I don't think there will be a problem, the rally will proceed peacefully," he said.

NGO Gerakan Pembela Ummah, backed by Umno and PAS, is organising the rally on Dec 8 with both Umno and PAS pledging to mobilise their supporters for the rally.

Annuar said police have yet to give the nod for the rally and organisers will be meeting with them to resolve outstanding issues. - Mkini