The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) today said it has yet to decide the next course of action concerning the alleged violence during the Bersih 3.0 rally on April 28 following repeated calls for the commission to initiate an inquiry into the matter.

NONE "The commission is fully cognisant of its mandate to inquire into allegations of human rights violations and was looking into the complaints it had received from members of the public on the said event before deciding on the appropriate course of action," said Suhakam chairperson Hasmy Agam in a statement today.

While acknowledging calls from the civil society for Suhakam to conduct its own inquiry into alleged violence during the protest, Hasmy said that the commission also took note that the government had established an independent panel to probe the matter.

"In this regard, the commission awaits the determination of the terms of reference of the panel in the hope and expectation that they are consistent with requirements of an inquiry that will conduct its work in a manner that is independent, impartial, transparent and with integrity, without fear or favour that is expected by the public," he said.

No mention of panel appointees

Hasmy did not comment on the composition of the six-member panel which will be led by controversial former police chief Hanif Omar ( below ) but urged that investigations be done expeditiously and with great care to "restore public confidence" and put the matter to rest "once and for all".

NONE "The commission remains seized of the matter and will continue to study the complaints and submissions from various groups, as well as media reports, pertaining to various incidences that transpired on that day," he said.

Suhakam which recently concluded its inquiry into the July 9 Bersih 2.0 protest last year had on May 4 published its final report into the matter.

It found that the police had violated human rights when they fired tear gas in the vicinity of public amenities during last year's Bersih rally.

"The commission fervently hopes (that the report) will be seriously considered by all the parties concerned, particularly the authorities," he said.