One of Suhakam's most vocal critics against detention without trial, Prof Mohd Hamdan Adnan's non re-appointment as commissioner has been described as a major setback for the anti-Internal Security Act (ISA) campaign.

The Abolish the ISA Movement (AIM) in expressing its disappointment over the removal of Hamdan from the human rights commission, said that the latter's 'exemplary' contributions as commissioner would be sorely missed.

"During his tenure, Prof Hamdan was one of the very few commissioners who exhibited genuine interest in human rights issues, especially in the area of detention without trial," AIM secretary Chang Lih Kang said in a statement.

He said that Hamdan should be applauded for actively being involved in field investigations, such visiting the Kamunting Detention Camp where ISA detainees are held as well as playing a prominent role as the head of Suhakam's Complaints and Inquiries Working Group.

Vocal commissioners axed

Furthermore, Hamdan's harsh criticism against Minister in the Prime Minister's Deparment Mohd Nazri Aziz over the latter's "no teeth for Suhakam" remark , should also be praised, said Chang.

Hamdan was livid over Nazri's remark and accused the minister of reducing Suhakam to mere 'window-dressing'.

Following the government's decision to drop Hamdan from Suhakam, Chang said there appears to be a trend of removing vocal commissioners from the human rights watchdog.

He added that previously, two other commissioners Prof Mehrun Siraj and Anuar Zainal Abidin who were instrumental figures in Suhakam's Kesas Highway inquiry report, were also dropped from Suhakam's line-up under similar circumstances.

"This signals the government's position on human rights issues. Those forwarding views that would be seen as challenging the government positions would be dealt with accordingly, such as by not extending their tenure as commissioners," said Chang.

On the appointment of four new commissioners, Chang said that the government was obligated to consult civil society groups, as they were among those who communicated most with commissioners.

"The credibility of Suhakam commissioners are dubious if groups dealing with numerous human rights issues are not consulted over their appointments," said Chang.