Five lawyers in Kuching took part in a symbolic half-kilometre march from the state legislative assembly building to the high court to commemorate the Universal Human Rights Day today.

The group comprised NGO lawyers Dominique Ng Kim Ho, who is also PKR state assemblyperson for Padungan, See Chee How, who is also PKR Stampin division head, James Lo and two women Annie Teo and Voon Shaik Ni.

Police personnel were absent when the march kicked off at 8am. Reporters, supporters and several members of the public were present near the assembly building which is next to the state ministerial complex.

The lawyers carried a large banner in English and Chinese, which read, 'Lawyers for human rights! Dignity and justice for all of us ! ' in line with this year's Human Rights Day’s theme.

During the procession, there were many lawyers at the nearby Kuching High Court.

Speaking on condition on anonymity, one lawyer told Malaysiakini they had chosen to stay away since there was no police permit for the march and they were concerned about the consequences.

Set a good example

Yesterday, the police arrested several lawyers over a similar march participated by some 100 people in Kuala Lumpur.

Contacted later, See expressed regret over the arrest, particularly since Malaysia is a sitting member of the United Nations Human Rights Council and is a signatory of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.

“The government should have allowed lawyers and others to organise and take part in peaceful assemblies to commemorate this important day.

“We should set a good example to promote the universal concept of human rights, and if Malaysia is not willing to fulfil its obligations then it should relinquish its position in the Council,” he added.

See was also not discouraged by the small number that turned for this morning’s march in Kuching.

He said they plan to organise talks, seminars and public forums on human rights in Sarawak between now and the next 12 months.