A regional human rights watchdog is wondering if at all Malaysia is fit to be part of the newly-established United Nationals Human Rights Council due to its blatant disregard of human rights on Sunday.

On Sunday, numerous people were injured after police violently broke up a peaceful demonstration against the fuel and electricity tariff hikes at the iconic KLCC.

Twenty people were arrested while at least two fathers were brutally assaulted by riot police in front their children. Shoppers and tourist watched the entire proceedings in disbelief.

"It is unfortunate that this incident has come right after Malaysia had been recently appointed into the new Human Rights Council for a period of three years,

"We would like to remind Malaysia that with this mandate, it is responsible for improving its domestic human rights record under the universal periodic review, while ensuring the effectiveness of the council," said Anselmo Lee, executive director of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (Forum-Asia).

Ending police impunity

The council seeks to address gross, systematic violations and promote coordination and mainstreaming of human rights within the United Nation's system.

Malaysia was picked to join 46 member council purportedly for its 'free press' and establishment of the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam).

Lee also called on civil society groups in Malaysia, including its affiliate Suaram, to press on for the immediate establishment of the Independent Police Complaint and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).

Based on the violence seen on Sunday, the IPCMC was desperately needed to hold police officers accountable for any corrupt and violent acts, thus ending total impunity among members of the police force immediately, Lee said.

Bloody Sunday - the aftermath

Photo gallery

Video footage