De facto Islamic affairs minister Mujahid Yusof Rawa has urged those attending the upcoming International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (Icerd) protest to refrain from inciting racial and religious tension.

“This is a democratic country, you don’t have to agree with the government. But my advice is that as Malaysians, we need to take care of sensitivities. Don’t make this issue a race and religious one.

“If you want to gather, go ahead. But do not use emotion and threaten any race or religion,” he said when asked by the media after the national-level Maulidur Rasul event in Putrajaya today.

PAS Youth along with Negeri Sembilan Umno’s Puteri and Youth wings have called for a gathering at the state mosque in Seremban at 2pm this Friday (Nov 23) to protest the Pakatan Harapan government's intention to sign and ratify Icerd.

Police have yet to be notified despite a requirement under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 for organisers to do so 10 days before any gathering.

PAS and Umno will be holding another anti-Icerd rally in Kuala Lumpur on Dec 8.

Open to more dialogue

Mujahid, who is Amanah vice president and Parit Buntar MP, said he was willing to hold a second roundtable discussion on Icerd if necessary.

“I have already held a discussion but if a second discussion is needed, I will see to it. But in general, we have received feedback (on Icerd).

“There were those who spoke objectively, those who discussed a time frame and those who disagreed. We noted everything down,” he said.

Back in September, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad told the 73rd UN General Assembly that Malaysia will ratify all remaining international UN conventions after a thorough deliberation.

Later, de facto unity and national wellbeing minister P Waythamoorthy announced that the government intended to ratify Icerd in the first quarter of 2019.

This triggered protests by various politicians and NGOs who argued that ratifying the UN instrument will contravene Article 153 of the Federal Constitution which stipulates special privileges be accorded to the bumiputera.

 This is despite assurances from Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, Suhakam and the Bar Council that it would not.