The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has retained its "A" status accorded by the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the promotion and protection of Human Rights in Geneva (ICC).

Suhakam chairman Abu Talib Othman said the matter was confirmed by the its Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) to Suhakam last Friday via e-mail.

He said that in supporting the retention of Suhakam's "A" status, the SCA accorded foremost the role of Suhakam in taking necessary steps to maintain its position.

The SCA said it welcomed the passage of the two Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (amendment) Acts of 2009, and expressed its appreciation for the constructive approach taken by Suhakam in pursuing both sets of amendments with the government.

"In its report, the SCA has concerns regarding the introduction of the key performance indicators (KPIs) on Suhakam by the government.

"Such introduction, while within the domestic discretion of a government, is without precedence in the protection and promotion of human rights in all countries where National Human Rights Institutions (NHRI) have been established," Abu Talib said in a statement today.

Last year, the Geneva-based United Nations body threathened to downgrade Suhakam's status as it was not satisfied with the Suhakam (Amendment) Bill 2009.

In its latest report, the SCA noted that both the new selection process and the KPIs would be in effect for the selection of new or renewing members in April, 2010.

Abu Talib also urged the government to take note of the SCA's intention to consider again the issue of KPIs in its second session of 2010 which normally takes place in November.

He said Suhakam also recommended that the government consider positively the set of KPIs which it had drafted at the government's invitation and submitted on Nov 10 last year.

"Suhakam's formulation of KPIs, which is relevant and specific to the functions of an independent NHRI, has been made public on Suhakam's website since last November," he said.

Abu Talib said any adverse observation in that respect might prejudice the international standing of Suhakam and that of Malaysia, notwithstanding the present re-confirmation of Suhakam's "A" status.

It could constitute a critical re-assessment of Suhakam's compliancy with the Paris Principles within the next two years," he said.

- Bernama