Media Statement
Human Rights in Malaysia: Musa's Inaccurate Assessment
Although it is true that the setting up of Suhakam has enabled certain human rights problems to be addressed and, to a certain degree, resolved, Malaysians are also witnessing a rapid erosion of human rights and civil liberties particularly those relating to freedom of expression, of assembly and of association.
The draconian Internal Security Act, a prime source of rights violations, sticks out like a sore thumb. A country that is supposedly practising democracy should abhor and abolish detention without trial. Just because other (western) countries have somewhat followed the Malaysian path doesn't necessarily make the ISA any more legitimate.
Apart from detention without trial, there is a distinct lack of media freedom. This is especially evident in the mainstream media's biased coverage of general election and by-election campaigns. The lack of media freedom has been aggravated by the increasing concentration of media ownership in the hands of a few who are close to the powers-that-be.
Besides this, there have been tighter curbs on freedom of assembly. The people are not free to assemble peacefully, whether it is to listen to political speeches or to express dissent publicly. The right to free assembly is crucial especially in a situation where access to the mainstream media is made more difficult.
In short, contrary to what we are being told, the human rights situation in Malaysia leaves much to be desired.
Dr Mustafa Anuar
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Aliran disagrees with Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) chairman Musa Hitam's claim that Malaysia's human rights record has improved tremendously over the years.