ICERD UNSUITABLE FOR MALAYSIA, SAYS MUKHRIZ
Our policies have created a peaceful environment, says MB
THERE is no need for Malaysia to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) as it is unsuitable for the country, said Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir.
Mukhriz, who is Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) deputy president, said there was no need for Malaysia to import foreign policies as the country’s policies had already created a peaceful environment.
“We are of the opinion that this (ICERD) should be assessed properly because we don’t want something that breaches the Federal Constitution, and if we really understand ICERD, it’s meant to create equality for the minorities.
“But in our country, we have a unique situation where those sidelined from development are from the majority community. So, this is not in line with the basis for the existence of ICERD,” he said at a press conference here yesterday.
Mukhriz was responding to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department P. Waytha Moorthy’s statement, in which he expressed the Federal Government’s commitment to ratify six treaties, including ICERD, in the first quarter of next year.
The government, said Mukhriz, should look at other ways to safeguard the welfare of all communities in the country without having to ratify ICERD.
“In this matter, I think many are of the opinion that the interests of the majority must be given due consideration as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
“My stand is that there is no need for us to ratify ICERD.”
On another matter, Mukhriz said Kedah’s 2019 Budget was realistic and formulated based on the state’s limited finances.
He admitted that some of the state government’s plans were unachievable due to insufficient funds.
“We are facing restrictions because the state government does not have a big source of revenue, unlike other more advanced states. We have to be realistic.”
On Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz’s intention to join Bersatu, Mukhriz said the party was honoured to receive Rafidah as a member as she was a former leader with an excellent track record.
Mukhriz said he believed that other former Umno leaders with excellent track record would follow in her footsteps.