(File pix) "I was made to understand that the gathering is not merely a rally against the ICERD but more to a gathering showcasing the unity of the 'Ummah'. NSTP/ Supian Ahmad

SHAH ALAM: Selangor Umno and pas are adamant in continuing with a planned rally against the ratification of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) on Dec 8 in Kuala Lumpur.

This was despite views from Mufti's in several states against the holding of the gathering.

Selangor opposition leader Rizam Ismail said they respect the views from Mufti's against holding of such a gathering, following the resolution of the ICERD issue.

"I was made to understand that the gathering is not merely a rally against the ICERD but more to a gathering showcasing the unity of the 'Ummah'.

"The gathering will also show Muslims united, reflecting their solidarity in maintaining the purity of the Federal Constitution with Islam as the official religion of the nation.

"In addition, we want to defend the important article involving the rights as enshrined by Article 153 of the Federal Constitution and the social contract (related) to Muslims, Malays and Bumiputera," he said.

Asked whether the gathering should go on following the riot at the Sri maha Mariamman temple in USJ 25, Rizam said the two issues are separate and should not be equated.

"The temple issue is between them and the developer, it does not involve people from the outside. In addition, the mistaken assumption and statement from several leaders has led to it being as seen as a racial conflict," he said.

He adds that in addition to the ICERD issue, he was also made to understand that the gathering was also to voice out the shortcomings of the government's administration which was seen a being insensitive to the problems faced by the people.

Perak Mufti, Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria as well as Kelantan Mufti, Datuk Mohamad Shukri Mohamad had adviced all parties concerned, not to proceed with the ICERD gathering.

Meanwhile, Selangor Pas secretary, Abdul Halim Omar, said the party is adamant in continuing with gathering.

"That is the views of the Mufti's. We have our own organisation and own leadership. As such we will follow our own leadership. We will continue with the gathering by taking into account the view of the Perlis Mufti (Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin)," he said.

He is also of the view that the temple issue and the gathering are two separate issues.

"The issue involved is not related in anyway with the ICERD. We want to defend the rights of the Muslims and not undermine nor interfere with the rights of non-Muslims," he said.

The Perlis Mufti in a message uploaded on Facebook proposed that those who wanted to hold the rally against ICERD change it to a gathering for the Survival of the Ummah.

On November 23, the Pakatan Harapan (PH) Government announced it would not ratify the ICERD and instead will continue to defend the Federal Constitution.

The Prime Minister's Office, in a press statement, said the government would continue to defend the Federal Constitution in which the social contract was agreed upon by representatives of all races during the formation of the country.