War Of Words Among Mps Over Icerd Rally

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Pontian MP Ahmad Maslan (left) and Jelutong MP RSN Rayer argued over a gathering planned for Dec 8.KUALA LUMPUR: MPs from both sides of the divide today accused each other of sparking racial tension in the country
It started with Ahmad Maslan (BN-Pontian) suggesting to the tourism and culture ministry to retain its tagline of Malaysia Truly Asia but he added that it should also consider highlighting the unity and harmony in multiracial Malaysia
Hearing this, RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) asked Ahmad why some groups were creating chaos in the country
When Ahmad asked who he meant, Rayer replied: “Ask yourself who.”Ahmad then asked which of his words had caused disunity in Malaysia
Rayer said he was referring to the Dec 8 gathering by Umno and PAS on the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD)
Ahmad said the gathering had received the green light from the Kuala Lumpur City Hall DBKL) and also the police. “If the gathering is not suitable, police and DBKL would not have given the green light
“Under Malaysia Baru they would have allowed a peaceful assembly,” said Ahmad
Awang Hashim (PAS-Pendang) defended Ahmad, stating that the Dec 8 gathering was not aimed at anyone
“We love all races including the Chinese, Indians and Malays. We can live together. The gathering is like a warning or a signal to the government not to cause unrest in the country,” said Awang

Ahmad then said ministers from the home ministry and the Prime Minister’s Department should make a ministerial statement on the United Nations convention. -FMT

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