Two prominent lawyers have argued that there is no need to amend the Federal Constitution to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd), as both legal instruments do not contradict each other.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had been reported as saying on Nov 18 that it was “almost impossible” to implement Icerd, as it would entail amending the constitution.

However, Lawyers for Liberty adviser N Surendran said that amendments were unnecessary as “Article 153 is not inconsistent with the objectives of Icerd...