Suhakam raps 'security risk' excuse in 'New M'sia', event moved to Sunday
Suhakam chairperson Razali Ismail has reiterated his disappointment over the postponement of the commission's event to celebrate the International Human Rights Day tomorrow.
“Police gave security risk as the reason. We are not satisfied. This is 'Malaysia Baru' (New Malaysia). We do not want to hear this (kind of reasons),” he said...
Suhakam chairperson Razali Ismail has reiterated his disappointment over the postponement of the commission's event to celebrate the International Human Rights Day tomorrow.
“Police gave security risk as the reason. We are not satisfied. This is 'Malaysia Baru' (New Malaysia). We do not want to hear this (kind of reasons),” he said.
Speaking at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur, Razali stressed that the police should have been able to handle the risks.
He also announced that the event would be held on Sunday at the same venue, Padang Timur in Petaling Jaya.
Razali said Suhakam received a letter from Petaling Jaya police chief Mohd Zaini Che Din last night stating that the event should not proceed due to the risks involved.
“I spoke to the inspector-general of police (Mohd Fuzi Harun) today, and the IGP endorsed the position in the letter.
“I subsequently contacted the Prime Minister's Office and at the time, they had not received the letter (from the police).
“They subsequently received the letter and the prime minister (Dr Mahathir Mohamad) took the matter to the cabinet. You know what their response is,” he added.
Earlier today, Malaysiakini reported that police had advised Suhakam to postpone tomorrow's event, where Mahathir was to be the chief guest.
In a media statement later, Razali expressed “deep regret and severe disappointment” over this.
The Sukaham chairperson claimed that the government appeared to be influenced by “pressure tactics and extremism”.
The cancellation also drew criticism from former Bar Council president Ambiga Sreenevasan, who tweeted: “Again giving in to bullies”.
She also noted that Malaysia was a member of the UN Human Rights Council.
The Suhakam event would have coincided with another gathering tomorrow, where tens of thousands are expected to gather in Kuala Lumpur.
The gathering is to celebrate the government's decision not to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd).
The gathering, which is supported by PAS and Umno, has sparked off concerns about possible racial tension.
However, the organisers have pledged that it would be a peaceful gathering to defend the Federal Constitution.
PAS is expecting a turnout of more than 500,000 for the gathering, which was initially planned to protest the possible ratification of Icerd.
Detractors have argued that Icerd would threaten the position of the bumiputera and Islam.
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