LETTER | The National Human Rights Society (Hakam) regrets the decision of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in deciding not to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd).

However, Hakam regrets even more that this issue has been exploited to generate fear and divisiveness in the country. 

Hakam urges the government that this precautionary stance be a temporary measure and that it continues to engage stakeholders on this issue to dispel the misconceptions on Icerd

Hakam also urges for further discussions on Icerd to be conducted in a civil manner without threats and fear-mongering. The government should revisit its decision and reconsider ratification in the future.

Hakam further regrets the calls for Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah to resign in light of these developments. The Foreign Minister has done an admirable job in advocating for Malaysia to ratify an important international human rights treaty.

Hakam will continue to support the government's vision of a New Malaysia – in creating a fair and just society where everyone has a place under the Malaysian sun.

The writer is Hakam secretary general.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.