TUMPAT: The issue surrounding the International Convention for the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) is deemed as one that can unite the Muslims in Malaysia, regardless of political belief.

As proof, the talk last night which was part of the 'Himpunan Rakyat Bantah ICERD' roadshow at the Padang Kemahkotaan, here, saw leaders from PAS, Umno and several non-governmental organisations (NGO) sharing the same stage.

Those who spoke were Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob, Tumpat MP and Kelantan PAS secretary Datuk Che Abdullah Mat Nawi, Tumpat Umno chief Datuk Zulkifli Abdullah as well as Gerakan Pembela Ummah (UMMAH) representative Kamaruzaman Mohamad.

Che Abdullah said ICERD is a big issue involving the sovereignty of Islam in the country and PAS would work with all Muslims, including those from opposing parties.

"ICERD is like a virus in our body, when we (Muslims) are strong and have strong antibodies, ICERD (referring to those proposing for Malaysia to accede to it) will be quiet, but when we are weak, it will grow quietly.

"Based on this, there is no bigger issue for the Muslims in this country to unite and gather to oppose Malaysia acceding to ICERD," he told reporters, here, last night.

The talk saw the attendance of more than 1,000 people, with slight rain not dampening their resolve to keep on hearing the speeches being delivered on ICERD.

Mereka adalah Menteri Besar Kelantan, Datuk Ahmad Yakob, Ahli Parlimen Tumpat merangkap Setiausaha Badan Perhubungan PAS Kelantan, Datuk Che Abdullah Mat Nawi, Ketua UMNO Bahagian Tumpat, Datuk Zulkifli Abdullah dan wakil NGO Gerakan Pembela Ummah (UMMAH), Kamaruzaman Mohamad.

Speaking on the gathering set to take place on Dec 8 at Dataran Merdeka in the nation's capital, Che Abdullah estimates more than 200,000 people from Kelantan will be taking part.

Meanwhile, on PAS and Umno coming together for a cause, Zulkifli said differences in political belief take a backseat in matters pertaining to Islam.

He said when Islam is being threatened, Muslims must come together.

"Islam is not only for PAS, Umno, Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) or Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) but it involves all Muslims," he said.