Forging a Malaysian identity is the main aim

WHILE the government has shelved the ratification of ICERD (International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination), Shad Saleem Faruqi’s plea that “Discussion on this UN Convention must continue in Malaysia, a nation at the crossroads” is reasonable, “To ratify or not to ratify no longer the question” (Sunday Star, Nov 25).

ICERD takes a strong stand against segregation and discrimination but recognises the need for affirmative action. He made the salient point that the United States adopted ICERD subject to any provision that breached her constitution. In short, this UN convention cannot invalidate our national law. Indeed, as Shad Saleem stressed, “ICERD is not a law but only a pole star for action.”