Anwar: No to organiser's anti-Icerd rally invite, government stance strong enough

KUALA LUMPUR: PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic) has snubbed the invitation to the anti-Icerd rally this Saturday (Dec 8), saying that his stance on the issue is clear.

Anwar, who was reported to have been invited by the organiser to the rally, said that he stands with the Cabinet on its decision to not ratify the anti racial discrimination convention.

"I followed the news in the media and have brought a motion here (in Parliament).

"My stand is very clear on Icerd, it supports the stance of the Cabinet, which I will read out today. This is from the Parliament and its strong enough, so I don't need to attend," the Port Dickson MP told reporters at the Parliament lobby here on Thursday (Dec 6).

He said according to the plan, other leaders such as DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man would also speak on the Icerd resolution.

"It's strong enough, representing the MPs. Our plan is to support the statement by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, and I think this is enough to curb confusion and concerns on the matter.

"I will bring two main points that I will bring in Parliament. The first is to reaffirm the position of justice for all, against any form of discrimination, race, religion, gender or region.

"Since the Cabinet has decided not to ratify, so we think the Parliament should endorse it and focus on economic," he said.

Anwar also said that it was not rational for the Kelantan state government to declare Sunday (Dec 9) as a public holiday in conjunction with the anti-Icerd rally.

"That's my opinion, I think it's unreasonable to give a public holiday for a demonstration," he said.

Both PAS and Umno have declared they would join the rally at Jalan Raja on Saturday (Dec 8), as will members of Malay rights group Perkasa.

When asked if he had any advice for former Umno peer Ahmad Zahid, Anwar said the government's only appeal is to ensure order and peace.

Anwar, who is also former Education Minister, said following complaints from borrowers, he would be bringing up the newly announced mandatory National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) cuts issue to the Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik and PTPTN chairman Wan Saiful Wan Jan.

"I will raise the concerns of the borrowers for consideration of the minister and the chairman," he said, adding that he received numerous text messages from constituents who were apprehensive about the new payment mechanism.

Anwar also called for the public to be patient with Dr Maszlee, as he has only been Minister for six months.

He said this after being asked about the Dr Maszlee's performance, which has come under heavy criticism by the public.