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.