Penang mufti: No need to hold anti-Icerd rally
Penang mufti Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor has expressed disagreement with the anti-Icerd (International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination) gathering scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur on Dec 8.
Referring to the recent unrest over a Hindu temple in Subang Jaya, he noted that the situation in the country is still tense.
“I am of the view that it (the gathering) should not be held...
Penang mufti Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor has expressed disagreement with the anti-Icerd (International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination) gathering scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur on Dec 8.
Referring to the recent unrest over a Hindu temple in Subang Jaya, he noted that the situation in the country is still tense.
“I am of the view that it (the gathering) should not be held...
“We are worried that certain quarters with ill intentions might take advantage (of the rally) to worsen the tension between races, which could lead to untoward incidents,” he told Malaysiakini.
Read more: The Icerd outrage: How it was sparked and the facts
Furthermore, Wan Salim pointed out that Putrajaya has decided not to ratify the UN convention.
“Therefore, there is no need to hold a gathering,” he reiterated.
“If we still do it, it could lead to the perception that it is merely for political mileage,” he added.
Initially, the gathering was to protest the Icerd ratification but has since turned into a "thanksgiving" for the government's decision.
Last week, Kelantan Mufti Mohamad Shukri Mohamad also called for the gathering to be cancelled.
Previously, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang said the gathering must continue because ministers were still issuing conflicting statements regarding Icerd.
He also promised the gathering would be peaceful and that the organiser would cooperate with the police.
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
This action cannot be undone.