Police advice against undermining public order over ICERD

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Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun

KUALA LUMPUR: The police yesterday advised the people against making statements or taking action that can undermine security and public order when they discuss the proposed ratification of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said everyone must use the proper channels to express their opinions and comply with the law if they assemble to protest the ICERD issue because it has elicited various reactions among the people.

“In a democratic country like Malaysia, the people are entitled and free to voice their opinions and stand on the issue.

“Nevertheless, this must be done in accordance with the law and not by going to the extreme to touch on the sensitivities of the multiracial and multi-religious people in the country,” he said in a statement.

Mohamad Fuzi said the people must have confidence in the government commitment to take into account the views of everyone before making any decision on the ratification of ICERD. He said the police will carry out the trust in maintaining public order and will ensure that there is no violation of the law by anyone attempting to take advantage of the issue in the pursuit of their own agenda.

Last Monday, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said implementing ICERD will entail amending the Federal Constitution and this is an almost impossible thing to do as it requires a two-thirds parliamentary majority.

The proposed ratification of ICERD has drawn criticism and protests from government and opposition representatives as well as NGOs because of the fear that its implementation may undermine some of the privileges enshrined in the Federal Constitution. — Bernama