The government’s decision not to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd) is apt, says Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun.

He said it proved that the Pakatan Harapan-led federal and state governments were holding firmly on to the Federal Constitution, and that there was no issue of racial discrimination in the country.

“Some people didn’t get it when we hinted (that we will not ratify the Icerd), so we might as well issue a statement that there is no need for the government to ratify it,” he told reporters after opening the Excellence Award presentation ceremony at SK Sikamat in Seremban yesterday.

Yesterday, the Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement saying that Icerd would not be ratified, and that Putrajaya would continue to defend the Federal Constitution.

Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin was also quoted as saying that there was no need for any form of anti-Icerd rally after the government decided not to ratify it.

In Malacca, Chief Minister Adly Zahari (photo) advised the people to be wary of certain quarters who were out to manipulate the Icerd ratification issue to achieve their personal agenda.

He said he believed that the federal government made the decision not to ratify the Icerd after taking into consideration all aspects to ensure the wellbeing of the multiracial society in the country.

“We create harmony in our own way with the ultimate target of bringing about positive impact to the people,” he told reporters at an Angkatan Wanita Amanah Nasional convention in Ayer Keroh.

Collective decision

At the same event, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mujahid Yusof Rawa said the decision made by the government not to ratify the Icerd need not be brought to Parliament as it was made by the cabinet.

“The best place for the government to make any decision is at the cabinet meeting, so the call to discuss the matter in parliament is a non-issue,” he said.

In Sri Aman, Works Minister Baru Bian (photo), who is also Sarawak PKR chairperson, said he abides by Harapan's decision not to ratify Icerd, as it was a collective decision made by the federal cabinet.

“Of course, there may be some people not in agreement with the government of the day.

“That is their right. I understand there are differing views and I appreciate these differing views," he said when asked on Sarawak PKR's stand on the matter.

In Kuching, Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad expressed regret that some PAS leaders had allowed themselves and the party to be used by Umno to organise the anti-Icerd rally.

“I can’t believe PAS leaders allowed themselves to be used by Umno leaders,” he said, adding that he believed that Umno and PAS had played up Icerd issues to ‘save’ former prime minister Najib Razak and former deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

- Bernama