Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) chairperson Abu Talib Othman has defended the commission's performance under his stewardship over the past two years.

"Despite criticism levelled at us, we believe we have made recommendations that are in line with international human rights standards.

"Whether the government takes up our recommendations or not, it is purely their decision," he told malaysiakini in an interview at his office in Kuala Lumpur recently.

Abu Talib, who has been re-appointed to helm the commission for another two years, took his critics to task for adopting an unfair approach against him and the commission.

When his appointment was announced in 2002 to succeed Suhakam's first chairperson Musa Hitam, critics claimed the former was an inappropriate candidate to spearhead the protection of human rights in this country.

They claimed that during his tenure as attorney-general from 1980-1993, he played a pivotal role in drafting laws and defending cases that were seen in breach of human rights principles.

Taken initiatives

However, Abu Talib argued that his critics should distinguish between the role he had to play then and his task now, which was to broaden the national dialogue on human rights.

"We have been criticised, and we accept them (the criticism). But I hope the critics will also accept that Suhakam is a body created by law with specific powers and duties. We cannot exercise our powers outside the scope provided under the law," he said.

He said Suhakam's 14 commissiners were conscious that the commission's credibility would be jeopardised if they acted outside the legal provisions.

He added that Suhakam had taken the initiatives to push for a broader role but the government chose to ignore their proposals.

"The first members of the commission (under the term of first chairperson Musa Hitam) have recommended that the government make some changes to the (Suhakam) Act but it remains a recommendation," he said.

Similarly, when Suhakam reviewed the Internal Security Act and the conditions at the Kamunting Detention Camp in Perak, the government failed to react to its reccomendations.

"It is entirely up to the government (to adopt the recommendations), and it is up to the people. They have indicated that they want this government. So who are we to complain?" said Abu Talib.

The achievements

At the same time, Abu Talib noted that Suhakam's work had not been an exercise in futility.

He said the gradual recognition for human rights in the police force was the 'most satisfying' achievement, while public education took a close second.

He added that since Suhakam started making visits to detention centres and lock-ups as part of its routine work, the police became "a lot more creative with the use of police powers".

"And today, some of these officers, particularly those in remote areas, welcome us with open arms whenever we visit. Perhaps because we voice their frustrations as well as scrutinise their actions.

"Our work has not been a waste and definitely not as some people would say makan gaji buta . We have done a lot of work, and we can show for it," he stressed.

However, Abu Talib also insisted that Suhakam needed to change tack as it moved into a new term, by prioritising public education, social and cultural rights as its main agenda.

'Softer' issues

The chairperson said he would prefer to see the commission take time off from political issues, which it had focussed on at the expense of 'softer' but nevertheless perinent issues such as health and housing.

"We spent a lot of time in the early days reviewing legislation and addressing political rights. We were preoccupied with issues related to the 'Anwar (Ibrahim) saga'. And we embarked on that and became very focused in handling the complaints.

"But I think the time has come for the commission to focus more on economic and social rights," he said.

Abu Talib stressed that the dialogue on human rights cannot be deepened in this country without ensuring that human rights became an everyday concept to the average Malaysian.

"How do you expect to talk about human rights when the people don't know what is human rights?

"Most people don't want to wake up one morning and see a big incinerator in front of their house. But how many people know how to claim (their rights)?," he asked.