Suhakam has so far dealt with Malaysians right to free speech and assembly. These issues are very political in nature and should concern every Malaysian as they provide a means to debate the right and wrong of the goverment's doing. Whatever progress Suhakam has made to improve these is welcomed.

However, there is another human right that is no less important — the right to a decent living for every citizen. Most of the people from the lower income group will not benefit from freedom of speech and assembly. The question of their survival is more profound.

Political parties do not have the resources, means and will to look into the plight of these people.

Therefore, I feel that Suhakam has a duty to speak on behalf of this group as it has both the visibility and power to do so.

Suhakam should look into how the economics of lower income group can be best improved and the appropriate suggestions be forwarded to the goverment.

I hope that two years into its existence, Suhakam can expand its scope tocater for the interest of all Malaysians.