IGP: Don't break the law in protesting Icerd

Inspector-general of police Mohamad Fuzi Harun has reminded all quarters to not break the law while protesting the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (Icerd).

In a statement today, Fuzi said that although the rakyat has the right to express support or dissent against issues, such expression must be made within the confines of the law.

"It should abide by the law and never go overboard to the extent of offending the sensitivities of ethnic and religious groups in the country. 

"All quarters are urged to use the right channels to voice their opinions, and in doing so, abide by the law at all times, including when holding rallies," he said.

Fuzi's statement came amid the preparation by opposition parties Umno and PAS to hold mass rallies to protest the Pakatan Harapan government's intention to sign and ratify Icerd.

One such rally will be held in Kuala Lumpur on Dec 8, while at the state level, the Negeri Sembilan chapter of the two parties will be holding a similar protest at the state mosque this Friday. 

De facto Islamic Affairs Minister Mujahid Yusof Rawa yesterday urged protesters in the upcoming rally to refrain from inciting racial and religious tension.

Respect the government's stance

Fuzi further cautioned people from issuing statements that can be seen as a threat to national security, in regard to the Icerd.

"We have to be confident with the government's commitment to consult all stakeholders before deciding to ratify the Icerd.

"The Royal Malaysian Police will do its duty to safeguard public security and ensure there are no laws broken or attempts by any quarters to take advantage of this issue to benefit their own agenda," he said.

Last September, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad told the 73rd UN General Assembly that Malaysia will ratify all remaining international UN conventions after a thorough deliberation.

Later, de facto National Unity and Social Wellbeing Minister P Waythamoorthy announced that the government intended to ratify Icerd in the first quarter of 2019.

This triggered protests by various politicians and NGOs who argued that ratifying the UN instrument would contravene Article 153 of the Federal Constitution which stipulates that special privileges are to be accorded to the bumiputera.

This is despite assurances from Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, Suhakam and the Bar Council that ratifying the accord would not contravene the constitution. - Mkini