Following the government’s decision to not ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin urged the 8th December celebratory rally to be cancelled.
The rationale behind it, according to Khairy is to lessen the ‘heat’on the nation’s political climate.
Source: FMT
“The government has made the decision to not ratify ICERD.”
“Now is the time to lessen the ‘heat’. It is better to not go through with it.”
The government’s decision to not ratify ICERD witnessed a re-branding of the rally’s theme to that of celebratory gathering set to be held on December 8.
Source: Mole.my
PAS Deputy President Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said that the rally will be re-branded as an assembly of the rakyat’s victory and gratitude in rejecting ICERD.
“The rally will go on as scheduled but changes will be made to the format and location.”
“The format of the 8 December rally will now consist of prayers and speeches.”
Source: Bernama
The Prime Minister’s Office’s (PMO) announcement to not ratify ICERD came after witnessing anti-ICERD uproar movements made by various groups.
In its statement, PMO wrote, “the government will continue to defend the Federal Constitution that contains the social contract that has been agreed upon by representatives from all races during the formation of this country.”
Government sources reveal that the fear of losing Malay support pushed the government to cancel ICERD. According to a survey by Ilham Centre, Pakatan only has 17% of the Malay vote according.
Also read: BREAKING: The M’sian Government Has Decided Not to Ratify The ICERD
