Dr Mahathir Mohamad has made the right call in opting out of attending a Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) event today due to conflicting views on the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd), according to PAS.

In a statement today, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man also called on other Pakatan Harapan leaders to echo the prime minister's stand against the ratification of the treaty, so as to dispel any confusion on the matter.

"Mahathir's decision (not to attend the Suhakam event) should be praised and followed by other Harapan leaders, as it would reduce the inconsistent message on the government's real stand on Icerd.

"It is hoped that after this, other Harapan leaders will stop painting a different picture on Icerd, that only strengthens the perception that the government's decision not to ratify the treaty is only temporary," he said.

Suhakam, too, Tuan Ibrahim added, should support the premier and the wishes of Malaysians opposed to the treaty, as exemplified by yesterday's mammoth anti-Icerd rally that was backed by Umno and PAS.

"Any action to the contrary would only create the perception that Suhakam has become a tool for foreign parties, that it fights more for the claims of outsiders than understanding what is in the country's interests."

Mahathir was initially scheduled to launch Suhakam's Human Rights Day celebration in Padang Timur, Petaling Jaya, yesterday.

The event was then moved to today after police cited possible security risks, including to Mahathir's own safety, as it was taking place on the same day as the anti-Icerd rally.

Following this, Mahathir then stated that he would not be attending the Sukaham event today in light of the differing stances of the commission and Putrajaya on the ratification of the treaty.

"I decided that we will not accept Icerd, (but) Suhakam wants to accept Icerd, so how can I go?" he said.

It was Mahathir himself, however, who told the UN General Assembly in September that Malaysia would accede to the remaining human rights conventions, including Icerd.

Various quarters, including political parties and Islamic groups, protested the move, citing fears that ratification would jeopardise the constitutional safeguards for Malays and Islam, despite Putrajaya's initial assurances otherwise.

This led to Putrajaya later deciding against the ratification, to protect the "social contract agreed to by representatives of all races during the forming of the nation".

Yesterday's rally saw tens of thousands flock to the heart of Kuala Lumpur to cement their stand that Putrajaya should not revisit its plan to ratify Icerd.