Anwar Ibrahim has disagreed with the Kelantan state government declaring Dec 9 as a “cuti peristiwa” (occasional holiday) to facilitate the travel plans of those attending a gathering in Kuala Lumpur the day before.
The gathering is to celebrate Putrajaya's decision not to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd), which detractors claimed would erode the position of the bumiputera.
Anwar, who is no stranger to street protests, felt that a public holiday should not be declared for this purpose.
“This is my view. I don't think it is proper for a holiday to be given just for a demonstration,” the PKR president told reporters in Parliament this morning.
Responding to a question, Anwar said there is no reason for him to attend the gathering, which is backed by Umno and PAS.
The Port Dickson MP said he respected the government's decision on not ratifying the convention.
Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported that the organisers of the gathering have invited Anwar and Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“We welcome anyone who wants to attend...and listen to the views of the people,” said programme director Kamaruzaman Mohamad.
He also confirmed that former premier Najib Abdul Razak would attend.
Kamaruzaman said the gathering was not aimed at other races, but at “traitors” who sought to change what is enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
PAS has estimated a turnout of more than 500,000 for the gathering.
-Mkini
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