news feature

When the appointment of former attorney-general Abu Talib Othman as the new chairperson of the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) was announced yesterday, it drew a storm of protest.

At a time when the government is grappling with a credibility problem, this latest appointment, according to DAP chairperson Lim Kit Siang, is destined to besmirch the situation further.

The opposition leader also expressed fear for the fate of the human rights watchdog as Abu Talibs controversial appointment is seen as an omen that Suhakam will be reduced to a pale shadow of its present role.