Lim cautions Chinese to be wary of sentiments over Icerd issue

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng has cautioned the Chinese community to be alert of extremists instigating the Malay community using the ratification of International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd) issue.

In a 90-minute meeting with editors of Chinese dailies editors today, Lim said some political parties and individuals were playing with the sentiments of the Malay community using Icerd and other racial issues.

This was, he added, to garner traction for the planned Dec 8 rally, jointly organised by PAS and Umno to protest the Icerd ratification by the government.

However, the Prime Minister's Office this afternoon released a statement clarifying that the government will not be ratifying Icerd.

Lim said while the government will not stop the rally, it must be held in a peaceful manner.

He also noted how some quarters had linked the Icerd ratification issue to the survivability of the Malay community when this was not the case.

"In fact, we were puzzled why the issue suddenly plucked out of nowhere as it was never an issue during the 14th general election," he said.

Lim said he became aware that the Malay community was being instigated after a videowhich alleged he had diverted funds meant for Malays student to Chinese temples went viral on social media.

"Someone with bad intentions has played up these issues to protect their political status," he said.

"Some parties cannot get rid of their corruption label and they need to cover up their inability to manage finances. So they play up extremism to divert attention," he said.

Continue to express views

"As such, the Chinese community needs to understand the developments and changes in the Malay community […] they need to have this wary attitude until after the Dec 8 (rally)," he said repeatedly during the meeting.

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"Although this may not directly be linked to the Chinese community, we must be alert. When it is said to be a survival issue (of the Malays), then other communities will also be targeted," he said.

He said while the situation needed to be pacified, it should not stop people from continuing to express their views on Icerd.

Lim said today's decision not to ratify Icerd was taken by the cabinet in consensus after ministers offered their views.

The DAP secretary-general, however, did not answer when asked about DAP's stand on Icerd. - Mkini