Human rights are aligned with religion, says Suhakam chief
It is a misconception that human rights are a threat to religion, Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) chairperson Razali Ismail said today.
"Human rights are often mistakenly seen as a threat to religion, and I think this assumption should be corrected.
"Islam is a religion which prioritises self-worth and dignity, and that is actually what we are fighting for in human rights," he said in his opening speech at Suhakam's International Human Rights Day celebration at Padang Timur, Petaling Jaya...
It is a misconception that human rights are a threat to religion, Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) chairperson Razali Ismail said today.
"Human rights are often mistakenly seen as a threat to religion, and I think this assumption should be corrected.
"Islam is a religion which prioritises self-worth and dignity, and that is actually what we are fighting for in human rights," he said in his opening speech at Suhakam's International Human Rights Day celebration at Padang Timur, Petaling Jaya.
As Razali pointed out, there are those who are concerned that certain rights they have been enjoying would disappear with human rights and equality.
He insisted that these groups have nothing to worry about, as these rights are clearly enshrined in the Federal Constitution and will continue to be upheld.
"No multiracial society can claim that it is multiracial if it shuts its doors to non-discrimination," he stressed.
Of late, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd) had become a hotly debated issue after Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad mooted the idea of ratifying all remaining United Nations conventions.
Critics were concerned that this may lead to an erosion of the bumiputera special privileges enshrined in the Federal Constitution, despite the government's assurances otherwise.
This led to Putrajaya later deciding against ratification of the treaty, to protect the "social contract agreed to by representatives of all races during the forming of the nation".
Read more: Suhakam: PM did us a favour by not attending Human Rights Day event
In a press conference later, Razali said that although the government is opposed to ratification, Suhakam is still prepared to work together with Putrajaya on all matters, including Icerd.
"We may be disappointed, but we are not giving up," added Suhakam commissioner Mah Weng Kwai.
A rally organised by Malay-Muslim NGOs and supported by Umno and PAS was held at Dataran Merdeka yesterday to celebrate the government's decision not to ratify Icerd.
Malaysiakini estimated about 80,000 people in attendance at the rally's peak.
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