Anwar Call Off Anti Icerd Rally Since Govt Is Not Ratifying It

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Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (third, left) at the launch of Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad's book 9 May 2018 - Notes from the Frontline here Sunday (Dec 2). With him are (from left) Datuk Seri Ghazali Mohd Ali, Chong Ton Sin and Nik Nazmi
PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on Umno and PAS leaders to cancel the planned rally against the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD). The PKR president said that it was inappropriate for the groups to go on with the rally as the government has decided not to ratify it. ''We cannot deny that there has been racial anxiety now. ''If they think that the ICERD issue would hurt the feelings of the Malays, the government has already decided not to ratify it. ''It is anyone's right to gather. But if they rally to object ICERD, then it is inappropriate. ''I hope they will not proceed with the rally,'' he told the press after launching Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad's book 9 May 2018 - Notes from the Frontline here Sunday (Dec 2). Anwar also said that it was necessary for leaders to discuss the provisions in ICERD. ''We should deliberate, have forums and explain to the people the Cabinet decision why it will not be ratified. Ummah, together with another group Sekretariat Kedaulatan Negara, is organising the anti-ICERD rally at Dataran Merdeka. Both PAS and Umno had earlier declared they would join the rally. Perkasa members are also expected to attend
Meanwhile, Anwar said that the Pakatan Harapan government would leave it to the police's discretion in using the Sedition Act 1948 in the investigation of the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman Temple riots. ''It is certain that Pakatan's stance is to repeal (the Act). ''But in this situation we leave it to the police and Home Minister and their wisdom because the law is still in use. ''The most important thing is to prosecute those who initiated the fight and violence. Action must be taken according to the provision of the existing law,'' he added. - Star

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