Anwar said in pursuing reforms, it was important that the government avoid making “political blunders”.

“We have seen the blunder made with (the attempted ratification) of ICERD,” he told reporters here today, referring to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

“We are committed to human rights. But you have to give us time.”

In 2018, the Pakatan Harapan-led government’s push to ratify ICERD led to protests. The government later made an about-turn on the decision.

Some political observers have cited the attempt to ratify ICERD as among the reasons for the loss of support for PH among the Malay community.

Yesterday, Suaram criticised the government over the slow pace of human rights reforms, saying the abolition of draconian laws, including the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) and the Sedition Act, should be prioritised.

Meanwhile, Anwar defended the government’s decision to host six Hari Raya open houses.

“All governments are doing it for the people. It is not a waste (of money), but to feed the people,” he said.

On Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim’s calls for him to use party funds to host the open houses, he said public funds were not being used for personal gain.

“If we are hosting the open houses in our personal capacity, then we should use our own funds. But in this case, the government is doing it for the people,” he said.

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