The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) wants those who witnessed the 'Bloody Sunday' incident on May 28 to testify at its inquiry scheduled to begin tomorrow.

In a statement, it said investigations are still in progress and that subpoenas will be issued in due course to relevant witnesses. To date, 37 people have been interviewed.

During the incident , police allegedly cracked down on some 500 people who were protesting against the hike in fuel and electricity prices outside the KLCC.

Among the 20 who were arrested, two were seriously injured - one requiring five stitches on his head, while another sustained a broken arm. However, the police have defended their action, saying they had only applied minimal force.

Members of the public and media who witnessed the incident or have relevant information and documents should contact officers Nurul Hasnah or Long Seh Lih at 03-2612 5600/5602 or by sending an email to humanrights@suhakam.org.my

The inquiry dates are set for Oct 5-6, 11-13 and 16-18, with daily proceedings to be held between 9am and 4.30pm. at the Suhakam Inquiry Room, Level 29, Menara Tun Razak, Jalan Raja Laut, Kuala Lumpur.

The inquiry will conducted by commissioners KC Vohrah, Choo Siew Kioh, Dr Michael Yeoh and Zaitoon Othman.

The panel will determine whether any human rights violations occurred and if so:

  • which person or agency was responsible for the violations;

  • how such violations came about;

  • what administrative directives and procedures or arrangement contributed to then; and

  • what measure should be recommended to be taken to ensure that such violence do not recur.

    • The public inquiry will be the fifth held by the human rights watchdog since its formation in 1999.

    Previous inquiries were on the the Kesas Highway incident (2001); conditions faced by Internal Security Act detainees (2002); alleged mistreatment of native villagers in Sabah by the police (2004); and the death of S Hendry while in police custody (2006).