NGOs' 100-day boycott of Suhakam ends, but grouses remain

comments     Susan Loone     Published     Updated

The 100-day boycott launched by 32 non-governmental organisations against the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia or Suhakam drew to an end today.

However, the orgnisations stressed that Suhakam's performance and effectiveness still leaves much to be desired.

Speaking at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur, National Human Rights Society (Hakam) president Ramdas Tikamdas said the organisations wanted to place on record that there has been "no positive change in the state of human rights in the country".

"There has been no positive change in the indifference of the government towards Suhakam nor a response from the government to any of the commission's reports, namely the Kesas Highway inquiry report and the report on freedom of assembly," he said.

Both reports were submitted to Parliament in June last year but were not tabled and the house rejected two motions to debate its contents.

The Kesas report incurred the wrath of numerous government leaders, including Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, when it claimed that the police were guilty of brutality in handling a massive opposition demonstration.

Whereas, the freedom of assembly report urged authorities to be more tolerant of public gatherings.

Controversial changes

The 100-day boycott was launched in April when several changes were made to the commission's line-up, namely the appointment of former attorney-general Abu Talib Othman as the new chairperson.

Abu Talib was said to be involved in certain controversial episodes during his tenure as AG and critics feared that his appointment would further tame the already toothless watchdog.

Not renewing the terms of two notably vocal commissioners  responsible to complaints; transparent in its proceedings; accountable in its judgments; and proactive in its investigations.

"It is under these circumstances that we hope to engage ourselves with Suhakam in our continuing struggle for human rights," said Ramdas.

"We will continue to be vigilant and speak out without fear and favour whenever there is any violation of human rights," he added.

The NGOs will submit a list of their grouses and demands to Suhakam, the Prime Minister's Department and the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Copies will also be given to members of parliament.

Among the NGOs involved in the boycott were Suaram, Amnesty International, All Women's Action Society, Centre for Orang Asli Concerns, Jemaah Islah Malaysia and the Malaysian Trades Union Congress.

Also present at the press conference were Suaram executive director Cynthia Gabriel, coordinator Eric Paulsen, MTUC education officer K Soma Sundram and Hakam secretary- general Elizabeth Wong.



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