The minister, who is in charge of national unity and social wellbeing, said ratification of the ICERD to “make our human rights record respected by the world” is in accordance with the ruling Pakatan Harapan’s general election manifesto.
He said this after attending the Socio-Economic Development unit for the Indian Community’s (SEDIC) meeting with stakeholders on education in Kuala Lumpur.
Article 153, which gives preference to the Bumiputeras, is said to go against Article 2.2 of the ICERD, which states any measure taken for the development or protection of a particular racial group, as in the current practice for the Bumiputeras, shall cease after due course.
Waythamoorthy said the government would engage all stakeholders to obtain their views on ratifying the ICERD.
He said the government is not rushing to ratify the ICERD as it wants to gather as much feedback as possible.
He also dispelled speculation that ratifying the ICERD is intended to challenge or abolish Article 153 of the Federal Constitution.
The minister also gave examples of several Muslim nations that had ratified the ICERD with reservations.
“Countries like Yemen, Indonesia, Pakistan, Kuwait have all done this.
“In our context, we can ratify ICERD with reservations. We can either do it by the way of accession or ratification. Two options, we can choose whatever we want. In any event, whichever option we take, it can be done with reservation,” said Waythamoorthy.
Citing Yemen as an example, the minister said Yemen practises shariah laws but yet it ratified the ICERD with reservations.
He said Malaysia was one of the few nations in the world that has yet to ratify the ICERD.
“In line with our commitment towards the United Nations and in enhancing human rights, it would be advisable to ratify but with reservations, and ensuring the Federal Constitution is upheld with the intention of the original framers,” he said.
The minister also said that “unfounded fears” are causing many to speculate on the results of ratifying the ICERD.
He assured that institutions like Mara and other agencies used to uplift the Bumiputera community would not be in anyway affected by the ratification of the ICERD.
“The Pakatan Harapan government is committed to safeguarding all provisions contained in the Federal Constitution. Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has assured that Pakatan Harapan will defend the Bumiputra agenda and protect the Malay rights as enshrined in the Federal Constitution,” he said.
Yesterday, PPBM Youth warned Waythamoorthy not to overlook the sentiments of Bumiputeras regarding the ratification of the ICERD.
Exco member Mohd Ashraf Mustaqim Badrul Munir said Malaysia should not ratify the policy while basic issues, such as racism within society and the capability of Malays in all sectors, have not been fully addressed.
“There is no use going after a policy that can cause more disunity,” he said in a statement.