Aliran Media Statement
Suhakam report: What's the problem, Nazri? Please support our work by buying a copy of our print publication, Aliran Monthly, from your nearest news-stand. Better still take out a subscription now. We also welcome donations.
Does Nazri realise that Suhakam is the creation of Parliament? Is he aware that it is a legislative requirement for Suhakam to submit annual reports to Parliament? Nazri must answer truthfully: what was the purpose in enacting an Act to set up the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia? Was it done honestly as a matter of concern to address and monitor human rights abuses and violations in Malaysia? Or was it set up as a show-piece to placate the international community that Malaysia is really addressing human rights grievances? Why did Parliament entrust Suhakam with the task of submitting an annual report? Was it not for the sole purpose of giving serious attention to rectify abuses and violations of human rights? It is only when Suhakam's report is debated and their recommendations considered that the perpetrators of such violations come into the full glare of parliamentary scrutiny. This is an effective way to curb such human rights violations. If this is not the purpose and intention of Parliament in setting up Suhakam, then, Nazri, tell us simply why was Suhakam set up? What is indeed the problem in tabling and debating this report? We call ourselves a democracy and in keeping with the democratic tradition we must be transparent and accountable. We rightly condemn the USA (with regard to Abu Ghraib) and Israel (with regard to the atrocities in the occupied territories) for their lack of transparency and accountability. Shouldn't our conduct be above those we criticise?
P Ramakrishnan This statement was sent to the local media including The Star and the Sun. We have stopped sending statements to the New Straits Times as they have never been carried.
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