Civil societies have voiced their concerns about remarks made by the new Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) chairperson Razali Ismail, where he had suggested that Bersih look for more "sophisticated" ways of fighting for rights.

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) and the Asian NGO Network on National Human Rights (Anni) said that they were gravely concerned about Razali's views on peaceful assembly, specifically the Bersih rallies.

"As Suhakam has deployed observers to the rallies, it should be fully aware that the rallies were conducted in a peaceful manner without any damage to public property.

"It should also be noted that the Federal Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly as a fundamental human right, which cannot be denied or disrespected in such a manner as the Suhakam chairperson has done," the two civil societies said in a joint statement.

They also chided Razali for his remarks on legal access for those detained for terrorism, saying that it is "unworthy" of his position.

Razali had reportedly said that legal access for those detained for terrorism could have its downside.

The civil societies said that such views from Razali only encouraged the police, which they said had allegedly used torture against those detained under such circumstances.

"We wish to remind the chairperson that the right to legal access is also provided for under the Federal Constitution, and is available to all regardless of the crime committed.

"Furthermore, the principle of justice demands that all individuals are treated fairly and equally by according full legal rights," they said.

While they commended Suhakam for its proactive approach to the detention of R Sri Sanjeevan under the Prevention of Crime Act (Poca), they said this positive start of the newly-appointed commissioners was tarnished by these two comments from Razali.

They also said that his comments went against the policy and stance adopted by Suhakam in the past.

Protesting the statements from Razali, they call for Suhakam to adopt a clear stance on matters of peaceful assembly and the right to legal access.

Otherwise, they said that Suhakam would be painted as an apologist which sought to 'legalise' and justify the human rights violations committed by the government.

In an interview with The Star on Sunday, Razali said that Bersih should be "a bit sophisticated" and he questioned why it has to go to the streets to make a point.

He had also said that he did not know "about access to a lawyer because that has its downside in these circumstances" for terrorists in detention.