Amanah lawmaker Mahfuz Omar provided those behind the anti-Icerd (International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination) gathering a lesson on financial management.
The Pokok Sena MP said there is no reason to hold the Dec 8 gathering in Kuala Lumpur since the government has decided not to ratify the convention.
“If they want to blame one or two ministers who made statements (contrary to the government's position), it would be sufficient to just meet these ministers (to clear the air).
“If you don't hold the gathering, you can save costs such as having to rent buses and hotel rooms.
“Furthermore, you have to focus on the expenses for the children's new school term (which starts next month),” he told reporters in Parliament this morning.
The former PAS vice-president also ridiculed the Islamist party for cooperating with Umno on this issue, when the latter had inked the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), which detractors claimed would affect Malay interests.
“Back then Umno signed the TPPA, now PAS can cooperate with them (Umno). This is comical,” he added.
Meanwhile, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the gathering would proceed as planned, but the issue must not be linked to fanning racial tension.
“The gathering is to express our appreciation and gratitude for the government's decision not to ratify Icerd,” he added when met at the same venue.
Zahid said the media has a role to make it clear that the gathering is not being held to raise sensitive issues such as race.
“The gathering will abide by the scope of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 and the organisers have obtained a permit from the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) on the advice of the police. Surely, all the requirements will be adhered to,” he added.
On whether he could provide an assurance that there would not be elements of sabotage, Zahid replied: “Many things have been done (to prevent this), mainly, we will fully cooperate with the authorities.” - Mkini
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