104% rise in complaints to Suhakam

comments     Claudia Theophilus     Published     Updated

The number of local complaints received increased by 104 percent compared to the 152 received in 2000, the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) stated in its 2001 annual report.

Almost 95 percent of the 5,006 complaints lodged with Suhakam throughout last year were a result of successful international lobbying campaigns.

Suhakam received a total of 4,687 complaints from overseas via postal mail, fax or e-mail, in sharp contrast with figures in the previous annual report which recorded 338 overseas petitions and 152 local complaints, bringing the total to 490 lodged for the year 2000.

"Only 319 complaints were local, from either individuals or groups, against alleged human rights violations by government servants, corporate sector and private individuals.

The rather blase report stated that Suhakam recorded 174 complaints against government departments/agencies, private sector companies (46), individuals (72) and statements (27).

Copies of the long-awaited report were distributed to the MPs when the parliamentary session reconvened today. However, it is unclear when the report will be tabled, if at all.

The 104-page annual report was earlier submitted to the Foreign Affairs Ministry in April but did not make it to Parliament in the first session despite a mandatory legal requirement.

Section 21(1) of the Human Rights Commission Act 1999 states that the commission should submit an annual report of all its activities during the year to Parliament no later than the first parliamentary meeting the following year.

Overseas petitions

Of the total 5,006 complaints recorded last year, 2,895 petitions from international lobby groups were sent to Suhakam last year via postal mail, fax and e-mail urging for the repeal of the Internal Security Act (ISA) and for the release of the detainees.

Among what the report termed "campaign complaints" are 308 asking to repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act and 333 urging for the death sentences passed on Mona Fandy, Mohd Affendi Abdul Rahman and Juraimi Husin (sentence has since been carried out).

Another 248 petitions appealed for the death sentence on Myanmar national Chu Tak Fai to be revoked, 211 calling for an inquiry into the Kampung Medan violence and 164 against police brutality during the Kesas Highway mass gathering in November 2000.

A total of 196 overseas petitions urged for the release of former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, 157 asked for medical treatment to be given to him and 153 petitions asking for the release of Dr Munawar Anees, Anwar's speech writer (he has since been released).

Suhakam had also received 6,119 postcards from Malaysians relating to Anwar's medical treatment.

"Up to last December, 21 complaints were resolved, 101 were for no further action while 197 are still being processed.

"The total number of complaints brought forward to this year is 271, including the unresolved complaints from the year 2000."

Resolved 15 complaints

The 2000 annual report recorded 15 resolved complaints, 63 for no further action and 74 still being processed.

Suhakam had also received 24 memoranda covering 12 separate matters, including ongoing investigations into the Kampung Medan tragedy and the Mercy home abuse case.

"The investigation reports will be released this year," stated the report, which also contains inquiry findings and subject-specific reports from 2001 under the heading "Issues in Focus".

These include reports on the freedom of assembly, the Kesas Highway inquiry, rights of ISA detainees and the rights of remand, young and other prisoners.

On last year's funding, Suhakam was provided an additional RM5.4 million managed by the Foreign Affairs Ministry, until August 31, after which Suhakam began managing its funds and surplus was carried forward.

Suhakam also reported some measure of success in making inroads into human rights awareness among Malaysians since its inception based on the number of complaints received and positive responses by the government.



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