DAP today called on the new Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) chairperson Abu Talib Othman to state his vision of human rights and whether the watchdog should be an impetus for democratic change or an apologist for government abuses.

Party national chairperson Lim Kit Siang said Abu Talibs statement yesterday that Suhakam alone cannot champion human rights was defeatist and disturbing.

It raises the question of whether he is preparing the ground to defend a weak and compliant Suhakam instead of paving the way for a dynamic and robust one, he added in a press statement.

The opposition leader said that an independent judiciary, a representative legislature, a responsible and independent media, and a vocal civil society were pertinent factors for the protection and promotion of human rights.

This is why the commission must also focus on these questions.

But the central challenge is whether its new chairperson and commissioners have the will and commitment to turn Suhakam into a dynamic and effective human rights institution, said Lim.

No bowing

The controversy-dogged Abu Talib, after chairing his first Suhakam meeting yesterday, reportedly said: It takes more than Suhakam to promote human rights as everyone, including the authorities, have a role to play.

He added that Suhakams doors will always be open, as its function was to oversee and study the complaints, laws and actions which are perceived to be in violation of human rights.

We will view the matter and if satisfied that it contravenes human rights, we will propose to the authorities based on the power vested in us, he said.

Abu Talib also denied claims that he was appointed to help ease the pressure on the government.

The question of bowing to any particular party does not arise at all.

The Suhakam Act clearly states that we have to propose to the government especially on changes that need to be made in order to protect and promote human rights in this country, he said.

The appointment of the former attorney-general who replaced an ex-deputy premier, Musa Hitam, as the commission chairperson last Wednesday evoked criticism from various quarters.

During his 13-year tenure as AG, Abu Talib was said to have played a key role in the ouster of then Lord President Salleh Abas for being biased against the government in 1988.

In 1989, he allegedly ordered the destruction of videocassettes and photographs depicting former Dewan Rakyat Speaker DP Vijandrans sexual escapades hence ending police investigations into the matter.

He was also criticised for failing to initiate a prosecution into the 1984 RM2.5 billion Bumiputra Malaysia Finance scandal despite claims that senior cabinet members and high-ranking government officials were involved.

Another blemish, was his defence of the Internal Security Act which Suhakam strongly opposed.

Misread Act

Meanwhile, Lim said Abu Talib had misread and misinterpreted the Suhakam Act by saying that the commission would be an advisory body to the government.

Suhakam is vested with powers and functions for the protection and promotion of human rights and not just be an advisor to the government or to be in any manner beholden to the government, he said.

He added that while discharging its duties, the commission may find itself at odds with the government.

In such circumstances, is Abu Talib committed to lead Suhakam to break the ranks with the government on critical human rights issues? asked Lim