Human Rights Commission chairperson Musa Hitam today defended his controversial statement that human rights and democracy should take a 'back seat' to allow the government to deal with the threat of possible terrorist activities in Malaysia.

"I had repeatedly stated in my speech that I was speaking from my perspective as a former deputy prime minister and that it was not the view of Suhakam," Musa told malaysiakini .

His statement, made while officiating the annual general meeting of TV3 employees union on Sunday, earned the ire of human rights groups and a fellow human rights commissioner.

Commissioner Mehrun Siraj told malaysiakini yesterday that she was "appalled" by Musa's statement.

Musa, who served as the deputy premier and home minister from 1981 to 1986, took up the mantle of Suhakam chief in April last year when the human rights body began its operations.

The Suhakam chief added that he raised similar views at the commission's meetings but did not receive any feedback from the 12-member body.

"Nevertheless, I'm not surprised that some commission members would have dissenting views and I take Mehrun's point of view with respect," Musa said.

He said that the controversy will be discussed soon in Suhakam.

"In the next Suhakam meeting, views will be met in the spirit of musyawarah (open discussion) and not confrontation," he added.

Give benefit of doubt

He also explained that the Sept 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon had also inadvertently affected human rights and democracy around the world.

"Human beings during these times need to be rational, and I do realise the temptation is always there for politicians and pro-government politicians to use and abuse such security measures. But under the circumstances, I'm prepared to give the government the benefit of the doubt.

"This however does not mean we are abandoning human rights and democracy, and the commission need not be dismantled or rendered ineffective," Musa said.

He also refuted claims that his speech on Sunday was prompted by government pressure.

"I'm not out to please the government and I'm definitely not under any kind of pressure. My stand is not at all inconsistent with my principles," said Musa.

Cooling-down period

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".

Meanwhile, the commission's deputy, Harun Hashim, said Suhakam did not wish to have open confrontations with the authorities.

"The government has enough problems and we do not want to add to them. We are going to cool down for a little while but we will remind the government quietly of human rights issues.

"We are still very active in our functions and we are pressing ahead with many issues and this will be reflected in our annual report," Harun said.

Suhakam will be issuing their second annual report on the state of human rights in Malaysia in April next year.