The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has not thrown out the request for a public inquiry on the Bloody Sunday protests. They simply need more time to consider the matter.

Suhakam commissioner Dr Denison Jayasooria said that for Suhakam to hold a public inquiry, a collective decision from all the commissioners is required.

"A public inquiry needs a full decision from a full commission. Some commissioners felt that they needed more information and wanted feedback from the police on the incident. The majority took the decision to wait," he told malaysiakini today.

Besides awaiting feedback from the police, Suhakam is also keen to record statements from those involved in the incident, Denison said.

"We will see if the police comes back to us (with the feedback) at the next commission meeting. We will proceed from there."

Be patient, be fair

Denison also urged the representatives from political parties and non-governmental organisations who staged the walk-out on Monday to exercise patience.

"The decision was not a 'No', but just the process. The NGOs should negotiate harder. They walked out and that is their right but I thought they should have negotiated further."

"I don't think that by wanting to hear from the other side would mean we have dropped it. The decision was not 'No', the decision was to give us a little bit more time."

"They should have asked us how long and under what circumstances but instead they decided to walk out."

Denison also felt that Suhakam was being treated unfairly by its critics.

"They (NGOs) also say Suhakam has a track record of not responding to these issues and I don't think that's fair.

"The NGOs need to negotiate and not jump into conclusion unless there is a consistent pattern of Suhakam not taking a firm stand or not backing people who has been victimised or abused."

On police brutality, Denison asserted that Suhakam has always been clear on their stand.

"Our stand is clear on that. We have called for the the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission to be set up," he added.

Asked to respond on DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng's claims that Suhakam has lost its moral authority, integrity and legitimacy as a human rights organisation, Denison replied, "I think they are entitled to (make those comments) and they have their role to play in society."