De facto law minister Dr Rais Yatim has welcomed inputs from the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) to prepare the administration of justice report.

"Suhakam will have a significant role in the report and we will require their views for us to compile the report," said Rais today.

"However, so far, we have not received any direct input for them," Rais told reporters at a Suhakam office warming function at Menara Tun Razak, Jalan Raja Laut, Kuala Lumpur.

The report, an initiative from Rais, will evaluate the performance of various agencies committed with judicial process and the administration of justice in general, and will make recommendations for necessary changes.

In an interview with malaysiakini early this year, Rais said the report will look at the roles played by institutions like the police, customs, immigration as well as the administrative aspects of the courts and questions related to justice in general in the country.

He said the report will incorporate views expressed vis a vis the judiciary, for example, the backlog of cases, the treatment of prisoners or inmates, the criticisms in the past months on the role of the police in the incarceration of detainees or under the powers provided by the CPC (Criminal Procedure Code).

The report will also be focusing on some of the laws pertaining to security and public order, such as the Internal Security Act, the Police Act, the 1969 Public Order Act and various other legislation.

Public opinion

Rais said that he would incorporate views of the public on the changes needed for an improved administration of justice in the report. He said public can submit their views for the report through Suhakam.

He hoped the report would enable the government to face the new challenges of justice and the administration of justice in the country.

Rais said that he had a meeting yesterday with various parties whose input was vital for the report. He said among those present were Chief Justice Mohamed Dzaidddin Abdullah and Attorney-General Ainum Mohd Saaid.

"I like to think that the report will be a beginning of a new self realisation to us. We must own up to the problems we are facing," he said.

He added that he hoped the report will provide the channel for the government to make the necessary changes.

However, he cautioned the public not to expect too much from the report.

"We can't be too ambitious. But the vibes have been good. New appointments to certain institutions have brought about new hope," said Rais.