Despite strong criticism, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) will not withdraw its invitation to former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad to address its annual conference on Friday.

Contacted today, Suhakam commissioner Chiam Heng Keng said Mahathir ( photo ) has the relevant knowledge to speak on issues of globalisation which is part of the conference theme 'Human Rights and Globalisation'.

Yesterday, a group of 30 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) wrote an open letter to Suhakam urging it to withdraw the invitation to the ex-premier.

The organisations accused Mahathir of having violated numerous human rights during his 22-year tenure as prime minister.

"Suhakam recognises their freedom of expression. It's fine for them to express their concerns but we invited (Mahathir) based on his knowledge on the topic. We usually pick the best choice of speaker to deliver a knowledgeable discourse on the subject at hand," said Chiam.

She added that Suhakam will also not cancel the event, which will mark its sixth anniversary, despite the pullout of three human rights organisations namely Suaram, Aliran and Hakam.

"Up to yesterday, 354 participants from various organisations, universities and NGOs have registered. We're not going to cancel this event and dance to the tune of only one group," she stressed.

Delayed reaction

Chiam said this development will not affect Suhakam's future relationship with Suaram or any other human rights NGO.

"As far as we at Suhakam are concerned, we consider all NGO views and will work with all groups for the promotion of human rights. Our job is to raise public awareness," she said.

However, Chiam also questioned the delayed objection to the invitation.

"The programme was sent to them in July, so why did they wait till the very last minute to raise their concerns? If they were really concerned about it, they should have raised this earlier. What is their intention of objecting to the event the very week it is to be held?" she asked.

The event, which is also in conjunction with Malaysian Human Rights Day, will feature three foreign speakers and Hasmy Agam, who was Malaysia's permanent representative to the United Nations.

Chiam said the speakers will address issues of globalisation that have a bearing on cultural and environmental rights.