‘Status of Islam and Malays must be preserved’
Johor Ruler warns against ratifying treaties that go against Constitution
JOHOR BARU: The federal government must not ratify treaties that affect the special position of the Malays and Islam, says Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar.
He said there would be a contravention of the Federal Constitution if Malaysia ratifies the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd), as well as the government’s decision to sign the instrument to accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“The government must remember the social contract in the history of the formation of the Federation of Malaysia, where the privileges of the Malays, the power of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Malay Rulers must not be touched or lessened.
“I would like to remind the government to not follow international conventions just to get recognition from outsiders, because it will destroy the nation’s sovereignty and threaten the rakyat’s well being,” he added.
Sultan Ibrahim said this during His Majesty’s official birthday celebrations held at Dewan Singgahsana at the Istana Besar here yesterday.
His Majesty also urged the rakyat in Johor to always live in cooperation and practise tolerance and respect for each other.
“Things that are sensitive to a particular race or religion should not be treated with disgrace or humiliation as it will create anger and tension among the multiracial society of our country,” he said.
The ICC is the first permanent judicial institution having jurisdiction over genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression.
Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah had signed the Instrument of Accession to the Rome Statute of ICC on March 4, and the instrument was deposited to the SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations on the same day.
“Malaysia’s accession to the Rome Statute reflects its commitment to combating international crimes for global peace and security,” said Wisma Putra.
Wisma Putra said Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah on Feb 15, 2019, was informed by Saifuddin of the decision of the Cabinet to accede to the Rome Statute of the ICC.
In November last year, the government decided not to ratify Icerd amid rising protests by opponents who claimed that the United Nations human rights agreement would jeopardise the special rights of Malays and bumiputra in the country.