Human rights NGOs have reached an agreement for a "constructive yet critical engagement" with the newly formed Human Rights Commission (Suhakam).

"We will come up with a common statement and position in regards to human rights, as well as our expectations of the Human Rights Commission," said Suaram director Dr. Kua Kia Soong.

About 30 human rights activists representing 20 organisations attended a three-hour meeting this afternoon in Kuala Lumpur to decide on a collective position toward Suhakam.

According to Kua, the NGOs will present their views on the human rights situation in Malaysia and their expectations of Suhakam when they meet with the commission on May 15.

Commission chairman Musa Hitam has announced that three key human rights NGOs, Suaram, Hakam and Aliran, will be invited to meet with them.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth Wong from Hakam told malaysiakini that the meeting today will be the first of the many consultations among human rights NGOs.