The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has been placed under the direct supervision of Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

During a cabinet reshuffle last month, it was moved out of the Foreign Affairs Ministry's purview to that of the Prime Minister's Department.

Suhakam chairperson Abu Talib Othman ( photo ) said the new reporting structure took effect yesterday when he received official confirmation of the move.

"We received communication yesterday that Suhakam will be placed under the jurisdiction of the PM's Department directly under the deputy prime minister," he told a press conference this morning.

Earlier, it was reported that Suhakam would be placed under the supervision of Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad, who holds the legal affairs portfolio.

When the commission was established in April 2000, it was placed under the jurisdiction of the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Although the previous structure had been criticised for its unlikely pairing, the recent move also garnered mixed reactions.

Suhakam commissioner Prof Hamdan Adnan ( photo ) said last month that while the move could signify that the new government was more serious about human rights issues, the close link to the premier's office could also affect Suhakam's credibility.

Asked his view on the move, Abu Talib was reticent, saying only that the commission is committed to performing its duties impartially.

"The question of whether the move is good or not does not arise because we perform our duties independently. The question (of whether there might be more control over Suhakam) is also not relevant.

"The government has stated through the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act that the commission will be independent," he said.

He maintained that the government has not exerted pressure on Suhakam although it has occasionally criticised the commission.

"They have criticised us, yes, but they have not told us what to do or what not to do," he said.

New commissioners?

Abu Talib was evasive when asked if he was likely to be reappointed as Suhakam chairperson upon the expiry of his two-year term on April 24.

"I don't want to say anything on that. I will let (the government) announce this. My (present) term ends on midnight of April 24," he said when pressed repeatedly.

He also declined to reveal if he was willing to continue for another term should he be offered the post, saying, "That is not an important issue. What is important is that Suhakam will remain and will continue to promote and protect human rights."

Questioned about speculation that Suhakam may see changes in its commissioners' line-up, Abu Talib said he was not aware of any such development.

"That is not the prerogative of the (chairperson). It is the prerogative of the King and the government," he said, referring to the commissioners' selection protocol outlined under its governing act.

Abu Talib's appointment as Suhakam chief was deemed highly controversial because of his former position as attorney-general during the 1987 Operasi Lalang crackdown on opposition politicians, social activists and religious leaders.

To mark their protest at his appointment, 32 non-government organisations organised a 100-day boycott of the commission then.

Over the past few months, the speculation has been that Abu Talib may not accept a renewal of his appointment to continue heading the commission.

However, a source said that prior to the transfer of jurisdiction, the Foreign Affairs Ministry had offered the option of a renewal to the commission's present chairperson.

"(Abu Talib's) name was mentioned. But we don't know if (Najib) may want any changes," said the source.

Improved police force

Speaking of the commission's work over the past two years, Abu Talib said Suhakam's most significant achievement was its success in persuading the police to adopt a more sensitive approach when dealing with the public.

"The police have a duty to ensure law and order. There are not as many police abuse cases or cases of the police (beating) people as in the Kesas Highway incident ," he said.

"Their methods of (crowd) control have improved tremendously and they have shown respect for human rights. They do not use any more force than necessary in maintaining law and order."

Asked to comment on developments in the Canny Ong trial last week when murder suspect Ahmad Najib Aris ( photo) alleged that he had been coerced and intimidated by the police into making a confession, Abu Talib said unless there was proof, the allegations could be part of a strategy by defence lawyers.

"In every criminal case where a confession is introduced, there is always the question of the accused being pressured or intimidated. This is the lawyers' game.

"I am not defending the police ...(but) that is why we have a judge to decide. Let's not be influenced against the police based on the allegations of an accused person," he said.

On whether the new administration appears to be more amenable towards observance of human rights, Abu Talib said the signs were optimistic from the setting up of the police commission .

"We hope so. (The setting up of the police commission) shows that the government recognises and acknowledges the importance of human rights observance," he said.