While the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) is perceived as the ultimate watchdog on human rights issues, a human rights commissioner today pointed out that it is the public who is the ultimate judge on whether these issues are properly addressed by the government.

Ramon Navaratnam, a recent appointee to Suhakam, said the results of the general election would reflect public opinion on various issues, including the government's human rights record.

He was speaking to reporters at Suhakam's office in Kuala Lumpur after a group of 15 undergraduates submitted a memorandum in protest of the Akujanji good conduct pledge that public university students are being 'compelled' to sign.

Explaining Suhakam's limitations, he said, "We can make a judgment, report, an investigation and public statement. The responsibility is with the government which has the executable authority. That is the law. That is the practice universally.

"I'm not aware of any human rights commission that have executable authority anywhere."

Suhakam can only advise, report and influence the government and win public support for its decisions, he continued.

"It is for the government and people to decide. People, of course, decide not only on Suhakam but all kinds of issues when they have the right to exercise their vote at an election. They take into account all factors."

'Give us a chance'

The commissioner, however, stressed that Suhakam will not shirk from its responsibility even if it needs to be critical to the government.

"It's not an easy job, but you can be assured that this commission like the previous one, will do its due diligence and uphold and live up to the responsibility entrusted on us. Otherwise, we are not worthy of ourselves.

"Please give us a chance. Be fair to us. No point condemning us, the people who want to help you. But you must recognise that we have limitations," Navaratnam said.

Earlier, during the dialogue, the students urged Suhakam to be 'more aggressive' in its approach.

"What is the point of having Suhakam if the government is not open to its suggestions?" asked student leader Shahrir Mahmood.

The students wanted the commission to announce its official stand on the good conduct pledge which they deemed to be a further restriction on students' right to expression as well as binding them to legal provisions which they do not agree upon.

Navaratnam promised that the commission will study their memorandum. Asked to state his personal view, he said that it would be unfair to all parties involved for him to take a stand on the matter.