Fuzi said although the public had a right to speak out and have personal views on issues, it must not touch on the sensitivities of race and religion.
“All parties are advised to use the right avenues in expressing their views and follow all laws, including the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, if they want to protest.
“The public is also advised not to make any statements or act in any way that can affect public safety,” he said in a statement.
“We must also be confident in the government’s commitment to take into consideration the feedback of all parties before making a decision regarding the ratification of ICERD.”
His statement comes in the wake of preparations to hold a protest against Putrajaya’s intention to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) on Friday in Seremban. It is being organised by several opposition groups.
The top cop added that police would maintain peace and ensure that no laws were broken in this regard, no matter “whichever parties want to take advantage of this issue for their own agenda”.
The Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 requires the organiser to notify the police 10 days before the date of any gathering.
Organisers are only required to notify or inform the officer in charge of the police district of an intended assembly.
It is unclear if the protest in question has received clearance from the police.
The protest is being jointly organised by Negeri Sembilan Umno Youth, Negeri Sembilan Puteri Umno and PAS Youth.
Meanwhile, another anti-ICERD protest is to take place in Kuala Lumpur on Dec 8.
In recent weeks, pro-Malay rights groups, including opposition parties, have been up in arms over the decision to ratify ICERD as they claim the treaty will affect the status of Article 153 of the Federal Constitution.
Article 153 is regarding affirmative action for Malays and Bumiputeras, who include the natives of Sabah and Sarawak. It prioritises them for positions in the public service and other privileges.
Article 2.2 of ICERD places a timeframe on affirmative action policies.
A number of countries have ratified ICERD with reservations, including many Muslim-majority countries, which are Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries. Putrajaya has said it will do this too.
On Sunday, however, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said it would be impossible to implement ICERD as it would involve amending the Federal Constitution.
Mahathir had originally given an assurance that the government would consult with all communities before eventually ratifying ICERD.
This is in line with what Mahathir told the 73rd UN General Assembly in New York last September. He said Malaysia would ratify all remaining international conventions after thorough deliberation.