BUKIT Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh today urged parties wanting to hold demonstrations against the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) to scrap them since the Pakatan Harapan government has decided not to ratify it.
“We, in Pakatan Harapan, call on those responsible for holding such demonstration to reconsider their position in light of yesterday’s announcement that the ICERD will not be ratified by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed,” Ramkarpal told a Bukit Gelugor Parliament Deepavali open house at the pasar malam site in Bandar Baru Air Itam, or better known as Farlim.
“Yet, there are still parties which are bent on holding demonstrations. One mammoth demonstration is being planned by Umno and PAS on Dec 8 but why is there a need to hold demonstrations for something that is non-existent? Such demonstration can lead to racial tension and it must be stopped.
“We cannot allow the actions of a few to dictate racial harmony in this country. We cannot allow for irresponsible parties to come to the forefront and dictate terms as though they are still in power.”
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was supposed to be the guest of honour, was however unable to attend because of his other engagements.
Among those present were Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Siang, Gurmit Kaur, wife of the late Karpal Singh, ASC Agenda Suria Communication chief executive officer Jaggarao Simancha and Mayura Creation’s N. Shankar, community policing team members and several NGO representatives.
Ramkarpal said Pakatan Harapan needs time to consolidate all the relevant stakeholders to implement policies for the benefit of the people.
“What was done in the past 60 years cannot be undone in six months. Since May 9, 2018, the Pakatan Harapan government has been working day and night – not only for the betterment of the rakyat but also to clean up the mess that had been created by the BN government for the past 60 years.
“This Deepavali is the first Deepavali for Malaysia Baru. There will be many parties who will try to undermine our success in the coming years. This will not stop us from fighting for a better Malaysia. In Penang, I am proud to say Bukit Gelugor has the highest margin of victory with 56,000 majority vote in the last GE14. That shows the strong support from the people.
“Let us not be swayed by the racial rhetoric of the opposition, let us be strong to overcome the challenges that they bring upon us.”
Bukit Gelugor parliamentary seat encompasses Air Itam, Seri Delima and Paya Terubong state constituencies.
Ramkarpal said the residents who need help are welcome to visit the service centres run by his team or that of Joseph Ng, Paya Terubong assemblyman Yeoh Soon Hin and Seri Delima assemblyman Syerleena Abdul Rashid.
The crowd that came for the Deepavali open house was treated to some delicious food and also some entertainment, including the traditional Indian dances.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian