Authorities have given the go-ahead to the organisers of this weekend's rally against the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd).

Kuala Lumpur mayor Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan said that approval was given after City Hall officials met with the police and other related agencies today, and on the basis that the Dec 8 rally would be held in a peaceful manner. 

"Because this rally is about showing appreciation (kesyukuran), we are of the view that the location given will provide more space.

"The rally is allowed to take place from 2pm until 6pm along Jalan Raja only, in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Dataran Merdeka," the mayor was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian.

Read more: The Icerd outrage: How it was sparked and the facts

The daily also reported that Jalan Raja and Dataran Merdeka would be closed for the duration.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Mazlan Lazim was reportedly present at the same press conference.

According to Nor Hisham, three NGOs – Gerakan Pembela Ummah (Ummah), Pertubuhan Muafakat Sejahtera Masyarakat Malaysia (Muafakat), and Persatuan Bekas Angkatan Tentera Tidak Berpencen Malaysia (Daulat) – submitted the application to hold the rally to DBKL on Nov 27.

Organisers had previously indicated that the rally, which is being backed by Umno and PAS, would proceed despite Putrajaya deciding not to ratify Icerd.

Instead, they said, the objective of the rally is to express thanks for the non-ratification of the treaty, and to ensure that any future attempt at ratification would not occur. 

The gathering is also intended to protest against any threats to the Islamic, royal or Malay institutions.