Pusat Komas expresses deep concern over Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s remarks in Parliament on 28 November 2024, regarding Malaysia’s non-participation in South Africa’s application to initiate proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The justification, citing Malaysia’s inability to ratify the Rome Statute and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), is both disappointing and regressive.
While we acknowledge the complexities of governance, it is troubling to see the Madani government adopt arguments previously championed by conservative right-wing groups such as PAS and UMNO, which in 2019 opposed these instruments by weaponising race and religion. This approach not only undermines Malaysia’s progress on global human rights but also disrespects the aspirations of Malaysians who value justice and equality.
The ICERD and Rome Statute are distinct frameworks addressing different issues and should not be conflated. ICERD seeks to eliminate racial discrimination, a principle enshrined in our Federal Constitution, while the Rome Statute establishes accountability for heinous international crimes.
Even Palestine, a nation recognised for its fight against oppression, has ratified ICERD. Malaysia’s reluctance to follow suit is increasingly untenable. Blaming concerns over Bumiputera rights, religion, and LGBTQ+ issues for non-ratification perpetuates fear rather than addressing misconceptions. Such excuses harm Malaysia’s global reputation and betray the Madani framework’s values of fairness and progress.
Malaysia’s hesitation to ratify ICERD undermines its credibility as a nation committed to combating racial discrimination and advancing human rights. While the Prime Minister cites constitutional and societal sensitivities as barriers, we urge the government to find solutions to move forward.
Having said that, we welcome the Prime Minister’s pledge to explore avenues for supporting South Africa’s ICJ proceedings against Israel. Pusat Komas reiterates its steadfast commitment to justice and accountability, especially concerning genocide and other crimes against humanity. However, rhetoric must translate into concrete action—demonstrating our principles both globally and domestically.