The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) today defended itself against accusations of inaction concerning the Petaling Jaya Selatan racial clashes, saying it has been conducting an investigation since the problem erupted.

"We have sent investigators into the affected area since the beginning of the incident and our officers are still going there from time to time," Suhakam commissioner Prof Hamdan Adnan told malaysiakini .

On March 8, several areas in Petaling Jaya Selatan were rocked by the clashes which lasted several days. The incident left six people dead and 52 injured.

Parti Reformasi Insan Malaysia or Prim, however, has consistently accused Suhakam of not fulfilling its human rights mandate by failing to initiate an inquiry into the matter.

Prim also threatened to take legal action against the 12-member commission.

Hamdan said the investigation was mainly to find out if 'promises' made to the residents - who live in cramped squatter-like settlements - by the government have been fulfilled.

"The government said residents would be given housing and better facilities, we are trying to see if that has been fulfilled," Hamdan added.

Racial sensitivities

The commissioner also clarified that Suhakam was conducting an investigation and not an open inquiry where witnesses will be asked to testify before the commission.

According to Hamdan, conducting the investigation was not easy as it involved racial sensitivities.

Meanwhile, Hamdan said another commissioner, Zainah Anwar, has also visited the place to talk to several non-governmental organisations who are carrying out their own investigations.

The commissioner added that a report would be ready soon and will be sent to the relevant authorities before being made public.

"We hope to complete the report within the next two or three months. The report would also be included in our annual report which is to be sent to Parliament," he said.

Suhakam has also received reports concerning the clashes from the police and the National Unity and Social Development Ministry. None of which have been made public.