Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today said today that there will be no riot over the proposed ratification of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd), unless Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stirs trouble.

Mahathir said this after Zahid claimed the Malay community would run amok if the United Nations treaty is ratified, reported Free Malaysia Today.

"Unless Zahid stirs up trouble, there will be no riot," said the prime minister, who is in Papua New Guinea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit.

Umno has claimed that Malay privileges accorded by the Federal Constitution could be eroded if Malaysia ratified Icerd.

However, Putrajaya has argued that exemptions can be made when ratifying the treaty.

Nonetheless, Mahathir noted that the matter was sensitive to the Malay community and assured that views from all stakeholders would be considered.

Umno and PAS are set to hold a joint rally on Dec 8 to protest against Icerd.