Icerd rally? Organise 'kenduri' and help needy instead, says Amanah vice-chair

Those who object ratification of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd) should hold a kenduri pisang (banana feast) rather than organising a demonstration, said Amanah vice-chairperson Mahfuz Omar.

He said that any demonstration must have an objective, and as the government has decided not to ratify Icerd, there was no need for the Dec 8 rally.

"The government has already decided not to ratify it (Icerd). So there is no need to hold a demonstration because there is no point. 

"If it is only an event to appreciate (the decision), I want to suggest for all to do sujud syukur (special thanksgiving prayer) and have kenduri pisang at mosques nationwide.

"Rather than wasting money to rent buses and sorts (for the demonstration), better to use the money to help the poor and religious schools in our country," he told reporters when met at the Parliament lobby this morning.

He was responding to a reporter's question on the government's decision not to ratify Icerd.

Asked whether the decision to not proceed with ratifying the convention meant that Harapan would not pursue the matter in the future, Mahfuz said the issue would not arise as the decision was made by the cabinet.

Meanwhile, when asked about claims by Perak Umno chairperson Saarani Mohamad that a state election might be held there due to an impending vote of no confidence against the menteri besar, Mahfuz simply dismissed it. - Mkini