AYER KEROH: There is no need to formally record the government’s decision not to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) in the Parliament Hansard.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa said it should not even be an issue as the decision against the ratification was made unanimously in the Cabinet meeting on Friday.
He blamed the opposition for continuing to harp on the matter despite the government having already decided on the matter, which was announced in a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
“After the government announced its decision against the ratification, we now have another issue that it isn’t recorded in the Hansard. What do they (opposition) really want? Do they want to resolve this or drag this out for their political interests?
“Why involved the Hansard? This decision has nothing to do with it; the government has already said it would not be ratifying it,” he said.
Mujahid, who is also Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) vice-president, was speaking at a press conference after officiating the national Wanita Amanah convention at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITEC) on Saturday.
Also present was Melaka Chief Minister Adly Zahari who is also Melaka Amanah chairman; and Wanita Amanah chief Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud.
Mujahid said he has personally met with several non-governmental organisations to discuss the issue, and had presented his findings to the Cabinet.
The government, he said, will continue to uphold the Federal Constitution, in which the social contract among all races is enshrined.
Meanwhile, commenting on Dr Siti Mariah’s planned departure from the Wanita Amanah post next year, Mujahid said the party still requires the services of the Seri Serdang assemblyman.
“Dr Siti Mariah is one of Amanah’s founding members. She was once active in Pas’ Muslimah (women’s) wing before joining Amanah.
“I do not wish to comment further but her services are still needed in order to strengthen Amanah,” he said.