Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding human rights on the domestic and international fronts at the inaugural United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) meeting in Geneva this week.

But human rights activists at home quickly blasted that commitment at the international forum as a 'farce'.

Foreign Ministry Parliamentary Secretary Ahmad Shabery Cheek said at the first session of the HRC at the Palais des Nations in Geneva that Malaysia's efforts in this regard go hand in hand with the prominence "we devote to the promotion of racial harmony and equitable socio-economic development while taking into account both individual rights and the general well being of society as a whole."

However, Ahmad also acknowledged that there is much to do in improving Malaysia's human rights record.

"We have made considerable progress since our independence; however, we are mindful that we still have much more work ahead of us," he added.

Parti Sosialis Malaysia secretary-general S Arutchelvan said that "Malaysia in being part of the HRC does not add value to human rights condition in the country," citing last month's Bloody Sunday incident as an example of human rights abuse.

"The only way to show any respect to their membership in the HRC is to believe in the system. The government should start ratifying international conventions to show their dedication in upholding human rights," he said.

Being rhetorical

On a similar note, Suaram executive director Yap Swee Seng said there is no real commitment to human rights back home and Malaysia is merely being rhetorical on the issue at the international area.

"If they are sincere, they should ratify the International Bill on Human rights which includes the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights."

Yap also spoke about the lack of government involvement in NGO- organised activities on human rights.

"Suaram and Amnesty International will be holding a forum on recommendations for a police reform. We've invited the Attorney-General's chambers and the police to join the discussion and they refused to come.

"They did not give a reason and they appear unwilling to exchange opinions and answer questions from us," he added.

But in Geneva, Ahmad also said that one way to ensure the effectiveness of the HRC is to involve the role of civil society.

"This inter-governmental council stands to benefit from the participation of civil society. We strongly encourage NGOs in the fields of development, environmental protection and disarmament to raise their concerns from the human rights perspective," he added.