YOURSAY | ‘Harapan bowed to extremism from outside as well from within.’

FellowMalaysian: I would like to ask Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad why did he suggest the idea of ratifying the United Nations’ International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd) at the UN General Assembly in September when he has little volition in doing so?

When 179 countries have acceded to Icerd, isn't it an awful shame to be lumped into the same category of those that have not, and that includes Myanmar and North Korea?

Why are the other usually rambunctious Pakatan Harapan leaders such as Lim Kit Siang and Lim Guan Eng so quiet and puny now when race-related issues are raised?

Gerard Lourdesamy: Who says Icerd is not compatible with Article 153 of the Constitution?

Since the matter had been referred to the attorney-general for his opinion, why couldn't the prime minister wait until the AG had briefed the cabinet on the issue?

Vijay47: You blinked, Mahathir.

Harry Mou: I’m very sorry we missed a golden opportunity to build a better Malaysia. Harapan bowed to extremism from outside as well from within.

This is an extremely sad day for right-minded Malaysians.

Cogito Ergo Sum: I thought we do not negotiate with terrorists? This is not only negotiating but bowing down to threats.

Harapan needs to be more cohesive. Two has-been parties have hijacked the government’s mission of creating a united Malaysia.

Harapan, you need to buck up otherwise you will be a one-hit wonder.

Lodestar: It is the right decision for now. Ratifying Icerd will play into the hands of the Umno-PAS racists while effecting no real change in Malaysia.

All it achieves would be to pull the wool over the eyes of the world.

Anonymous_1535762813: I disagree that the Icerd should not be ratified but I can agree that it be shelved for now.

The Harapan government should look to ratify Icerd in future, perhaps in five years’ time, soon after the 15th general election.

Anonymous_1401030415: A good move to momentarily put this issue aside and focus on the bigger issue on hand, which is to put those corrupted goons behind bars.

Then focus on rebuilding the economy and re-educate the Malays on seeing the 'bigger picture'. With a strong economy, people will be more tolerant and understanding.

Straight Talker: Wise decision. Just need to state the government’s stand clearly to prevent this from being further exploited by narrow-thinking people.

Honestly, there isn't really any difference to this (ratification of) Icerd. Our general population’s mindset and mentality are still not fully developed and unable to accept this.

Shovelnose: Let's not stir the hornet’s nests, shall we? It would not make much difference if we did sign up to it anyway, other than providing the entitled more ammunition to cause trouble.

Political will to make the necessary correction to race relations is required, for real change and moving forward.

Otherwise, more of pandering to the loudest few, call for more freebie. It’s a very long, winding walk ahead.

Anonymous_91ee9ba5: No matter how right you feel Icerd is and with all the reasons to get it ratified, the majority is just not ready to accept it.

I agree with Dr M that in order to keep racial harmony intact, we need to find the right time in the future to do it.

We have better things to do to keep the nation going forward and this can only be achieved if people from all walks of life are united to strive for a common goal.

Signing the Icerd does not automatically change the mindset of the people.

Anonymous_1371475682: I think it’s good to put Icerd aside. The fact is there still will be discrimination even if Icerd is signed. So I don’t see the point.

There are many other important things to concentrate by the current government than this.

But if the protest still goes on and promote violence, the current government has the reason to charge those leaders behind it.

ChuenTick: The idealist in me screams “cowards, for capitulating to the demands of the racists”! But the rational me knows it is the right decision.

Yes, those of us who voted for change in GE14 must be disappointed. Yet, granted the racist slant the opposition to Icerd has taken, are we so sure that the government can contain the propaganda spewed out by the opposition as to the loss of Malay rights and privileges?

Better be safe than sorry. After all, we are still one of 14 countries that feels racial discrimination is fine.

VIM: Malaysia, oh Malaysia. Why are you mired in lies and sinking deeper into the pit of unrighteousness? Is there no truth, sincerity and uprightness in you anymore? Why have you chased truth out of your door?

The religion you are practising looks very godly and good in form but it has no substance. It cannot change your heart and has no power to free you from the bondage of lies and unrighteousness.

Your heart and mind are held captives by lies that enticed you. I can find no righteousness in you.

MasihBerharap: Reading both the English comments and the Bahasa comments in Malaysiakini is alarming and disturbing. There is such a huge divide between the two.

Most of the English comments draw on ideals that just can never be achievable here. Many wrongly think their vote alone made Harapan beholden to implement liberal changes, forgetting that even if 100 percent non-Malays voted Harapan, they could only deliver 25 percent of the votes.

Malays voted Harapan for entirely different reasons and the removal of Article 153 was not one of them.

Just one single issue like Icerd shows how fragile and fractured our society is - the dichotomy of opinions between the two is so stark and depressing.

Will we ever be able to bridge the divide for our common good?

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