Hailing from Seremban, Prof Hamdan Adnan is best known for his role as a commissioner in the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam). He is the former president of Fomca and Institute of Public Relations (IPRM). He is also a member of the National Economic Action Council (NEAC), and prominent consumer activist.

What would you rather be doing now?

I enjoy what I'm doing now, so it's not a problem to me, so when you ask me to take a break, I don't think I need a break. I enjoy talking to people, and doing whatever that helps and make sense.

Wouldn't you rather be out of town away from the haze?

When there are opportunities I would do it. When there are more urgent matters to attend to, it has to be done, haze or no haze.

What would be the best thing about working with Suhakam?

That I can help people. It's a calling. In Suhakam we have certain powers to do so (helping others). Within Fomca I could do a lot, almost anything that we want, but the outcome is sometimes has a lesser effect. While Suhakam has a name to it, it also has it limitations.

Do you think there is a sense of apathy among youths regarding human rights' issues?

Yes. I suppose they think it's an 'old-man' issue and something that does not need their immediate attention. They will only do so when something happens to them. Youths forget that when they are being apprehended unlawfully, that's why they need Suhakam. They want to enjoy life as it is while they are young, and (that their lifestyle) is not being impeded, so they have no time and interest in human rights.

Do you watch television?

Yes, all the time. Sometimes until 2 to 3am.

Do you watch reality shows?

No, I don't like those reality shows. I just want to be entertained, and I find that these reality programes are not so real. And that becomes a problem to me, sometimes its just a copy of what's being shown in the west.

What particular programe do you watch?

I like to watch Animal Planet, National Geographic, CNN, BBC and CNBC . But of course when I watch them, I'm looking at the (issues) from a western point-of-view.

Childhood ambitions?

I was always at the bottom of the class, so no ambitions for me.

What's the best gift you ever received?

A bicycle from my grandfather when I was in Standard 6. He realised that it's better for me to cycle to school than pay someone to send me.

Who's the most interesting person that you have ever met?

Everybody is interesting. Each person is peculiar and they can teach me a lot. I believe I can learn from anyone, more so from my own students!

Who do you admire the most?

Quite a number, including Gurmit Singh - the president of the Environment Protection Society Malaysia (EPSM) - because he was the champion of environmental issues and was often called a prophet of doom by the government. I think you should interview him, he is a remarkable character.

How do you define happiness?

Not having problems and being able to do what you want to do. And, to me, happiness is also whenever my wife is happy. ( Grins ). When she's not happy, I find it very hard to be happy.

Recommend a CD to Malaysiakini readers

I don't think they will like my taste, as I regularly listen to Kadazan songs, as my wife likes it. She's Kadazan-Dusun and I also like to hear what she hears. It would probably help national unity if everyone likes it.

Any interesting stories regarding your university students?

I always tell this to my students: When I was teaching Consumer Behaviour in UKM, 33 of my students were all Chinese. Even when I was late by half hour for a three hour class, they would be there. The Malay students however, if I'm late by 15 minutes, they'd leave, despite that they had my phone number to find out if I was coming or not.

I'm not sure if we can publish that.

I'm telling you (the story) as it is. Tell your editor that it is reality. I'm answerable to what I said, not Malaysiakini. ( At this point, this reporter felt pretty sheepish ). Why should you be worried?

What's the craziest thing you heard lately?

I'm too busy to hear anything like that, except for Ayah Pin changing his name to Ayappan in order to elude the police, but was eventually caught in Batu Caves, according to a SMS circulating around.

Where do you like to hang out?

At home. I don't have much time for home. I feel happiest at home, especially with the kids around.

What do you like most about your appearance?

It's important to have a good appearance, because people might reconsider seeking help from me if I look haggard and run down. I guess a smile and a good ear is very important. We must be able to put on a happy face all the time.

If you are made education minister, what new subject would you introduce in schools?

Human rights and the federal constitution. It guides people in the country about what they can or cannot do. It's so sad that not many people know their rights under the federal constitution as it is the basis of their existence in the country. It's about life in the country.

What is the best thing about Malaysia?

Despite all the problems, we are all happy together. When we are meet as individuals we are all friends. Even when we go overseas we meet fellow Malaysians, we do not look at them based on their ethnicity. We also have a lot of similarities that should be highlighted, rather than difference.

What do you consider the most underated virtue?

Patience. If we have patience there will be a lot less problems in this country and the world. In order to be tolerant we must be patient.

What is your view on tolerance?

I think we should not just tolerate, we should understand.

Is it more important to have acceptance and not tolerance?

Understanding in more important.

If you were given a RM1 million, what would you do with it?

I'd give it away. I'd frightened of it. I might as well give it to Fomca in order to do their projects that during my time, we had no money to do so.

What is your greatest fear?

Probably the fear of the family leaving you for not being around too many times. Imagine going home to find that they have left.

Any books to recommend?

As a Muslim, I would recommend the Quran.

Do you have a favourite quote?

Mine is very simple: If you can be happy, everyone else can be happy. When I was a dean at a local university, I always tell that to my students because you can be more productive when you are happy.