I really would like to give support to the work of the Human Rights Commission, but Musa Hitam's recent statement about taking a back seat on human rights and democracy is very ill-advised.

So Suhakam's veil is lifted after all. It is not a body which is independent of the government nor of party politics. A Human Rights Commission would assess every human rights complaint and violation based on accepted principles of right and wrong. To be nationalistic surely is not to take a backseat from human rights and democracy. If the people of Malaysia were to take a vote on Musa now, he has lost it.

Musa is harping on stale notions of 'Asian values' (read: values of those in power and not willing to relinquish power) and is perhaps reminiscing the good old days when he was one of Umno's boys at the helm.

This statement is irresponsible to say the least. Why should we, the people then resort to Suhakam with regard to human rights abuses by the state, disguised in the name of national security and terrorism?

Musa has lost all credibility and has tainted the work of Suhakam's hardworking and outspoken (other) commissioners. Step down, Musa, and pass the baton to the one who dares.