Civil society continues to pressure the government to debate the annual report of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam), especially since the reports have not seen the light of day in Parliament in the 12 years of Suhakam's existence.

ERA Consumer Malaysia chief executive officer N Marimuthu said it seemed that the government and opposition were more interested in "politicking and power" than the question of human rights in the country.

He said the government's consistent neglect of the Suhakam's reports was a clear indication that human rights issues have never gained the attention of Malaysian politicians.

"Surely this heavy task and burden rests on the shoulders of the new commissioners because the people have placed high hopes in the commission to do what is needed," he said at a session, 'Suhakam after 10 years: A review of the commission" in Penang on Monday.

The event also saw the launch of Era Consumer's human rights website, www.seahrw.org, to monitor Suhakam and its work related to human rights, which includes keeping abreast of the complaints forwarded to the Complaints and Investigation Working Group.

NONE Suhakam commissioner Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah ( right ), who was present at the event, said the government should not be afraid of Suhakam, and that human rights institutions in any country only had quasi-judicial powers.

Sha'ani said human rights institutions would never be given enforcement powers - or else they would "take over duties of other units such as the police".

"Human rights organisations should promote human rights and advice the Judiciary on how to fulfil the decisions of the commission," he said in his speech.

"The media, NGOs and political parties can pressure 'the accused' to comply with the recommendations of the human rights institution... this is the hallmark of an active democracy," he added.

On the independence of Suhakam, Sha'ani gave his assurance to civil society that the commissioners were appointed fairly.

'We are not here just for window dressing'

He said the commissioners were often regarded as "not friendly" to the government as they were more inclined to support human rights, and this "shows we are independent".

On the accreditation by the Geneva-based International Co-ordinating Committee (ICC) of National Human Rights Institutions, Muhammad Sha'ani said any downgrade in Suhakam's status would pressure the government to place more focus on human rights.

"We are not here just for window dressing. We may have the 'A' status this time, but if the government fails to listen to Suhakam's recommendations, the ICC can review our status again," he cautioned.

Sha'ani also called on voters to demand that their parliamentarians or state representatives support and promote human rights, and said the people should not base their votes on the parties but on the candidates.

"We do not mind being scolded, but please use Suhakam's mechanisms, lodge a police report if there is an issue because without it, we cannot act," he said.

"Please, help us promote Suhakam. Pressure your representatives in Parliament to support our reports... this may at least bring us back our teeth," he appealed.