New Suhakam chairman knocks state of human rights

KUALA LUMPUR: Newly appointed Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) chairman Tan Sri Razali Ismail said the current state of human rights in the country was unsatisfactory even as Malaysia strived to become a high income nation by 2020.
"Economic growth and prosperity are vital for us as a nation, but a nation is truly proud and consolidated when its people by free choice can embrace human rights and human dignity.
"In essence, status quo is not an acceptable," Razali, a former permanent representative to the United Nations, said in an introductory press conference today.
The veteran diplomat said Malaysia is a respected member in the international community and must fulfil its international human rights obligations.
He said it is somewhat embarrassing that some of Malaysia's neighbouring states had acceded to more Human Rights treaties than us, and urged the government to rectify the situation soon.
Razali noted that while the government had made great strides to improve human rights, it never seemed to be a priority for the administration.
"It is already 16 years (since Suhakam was formed), Suhakam's files are full with records of unending meetings with paltry results and of protracted expectations, if not promises," he said.
Razali said vulnerable groups such as the disabled, women, children, refugees, asylum seekers, migrant workers, and stateless persons are still the most vulnerable to human rights abuses.
He also said authorities should not think that elevating human rights will threaten public safety and security.
"Responsible bodies need not fear that human rights will threaten security, or that it condones irresponsibility that can affect our society fabric, especially in our present climate of terrorism and extremism," Razali said.
Razali joins six new commissioners and two who were retained from the previous line-up.
The new ones are Jerald Joseph, Dr. Nik Salida Suhaila Nik Saleh, Datuk Godfrey Gregory Joitol, Datuk Lok Yim Pheng, Datuk Mah Weng Kwai, while Francis Johen and Datuk Dr. Aishah Bidin are retained.