Tackle poverty and B40 insecurities first

community leaders in Sarawak must alleviate social woes like poverty and poor health, such as in this village in northern Sarawak, not focus too much on party politics.

THERE has been much debate, confusion and acrimony over Malaysia’s stated intention to ratify the United Nations’ International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).

Opponents of the convention have argued strongly that ratification by Malaysia may lead to the negation of Article 153 of the Federal Constitution. Article 153 spells out in no uncertain terms the responsibility of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong “to safeguard the special position of the Malays and natives of any of the states of Sabah and Sarawak and the legitimate interests of other communities...”