Human Rights commissioner Mehrun Siraj today expressed her disappointment at the commission chairman Musa Hitam's decision to let issues of human rights and democracy take a 'back seat'.

"I am appalled by his statement. Human rights and democracy should never take a back seat particularly in troubled times like these,' Mehrun said told malaysiakini .

Musa had stated on Sunday that Suhakam would be taking a 'back seat to allow the government to deal with the threat of possible terrorist activities in Malaysia'.

"I have recommended to Suhakam that we give the government the benefit of the doubt in these troubled times in ensuring the security, the safety and development of this country," Musa was quoted in a report by The Sun .

He was referring to heightened fears around the world after the Sept 11 terrorist attacks in the US.

Human rights group Suaram also flayed the 18-month old commission over Musa's statement, saying that its present stance would only justify further human rights abuses in the country.

"This decision is completely irresponsible and tantamount to giving a thumbs up to the Barisan Nasional government to continue abusing their powers, unchecked and unabated,' said Suaram executive director Cynthia Gabriel in a statement.

"Many governments, especially those with significant Muslim populations such as Malaysia, have unfortunately already seized the opportunity to strengthen their own political positions by stifling legitimate critics and opposition against them," Gabriel added.

Do not crumble under pressure

She also called on the 12-member commission to withstand criticisms and pressure.

"It becomes imperative for Suhakam as a national human rights authority to stand firm as guardian and protector of human rights of Malaysians, more so in these troubled and complex times.

"Suaram urges the commission not to crumble under pressure by conceding to arguments and justifications that human rights must be traded off in order to safeguard national security," Gabriel said.

Suhakam has so far released three reports that are critical of the government's human rights record, eliciting responses from Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad that Suhakam was too "Westernised" and from his deputy Abdullah Ahmad Badawi that the commission "was biased and idealistic" in its recommendations to the government.