Malaysia: Protest over UN racism convention in Kuala Lumpur Dec. 8 /update 1

Event

The Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) and the United Malays National Organization (UMNO) opposition party have confirmed that a rally scheduled to take place in the capital Kuala Lumpur on December 8, against the UN’s International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), will go ahead. This comes despite the government’s November 23 decision to not ratify the convention. The rally is currently scheduled to be held at Merdeka Square; the authorities have yet to deliver a permit for the rally to be held. It is likely to attract a large crowd, which would cause road disruptions.

Context

The government initially announced in September at the UN General Assembly that it would ratify ICERD. This intention to ratify had created a heated controversy in the country and sparked localized protests.

Advice

Individuals in Malaysia should avoid all gatherings as a precaution.