Suhakam wants annual report discussed in Parliament

KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has proposed that its annual report be tabled in Parliament to encourage constructive debate on human rights issues.

Its chairman, Tan Sri Hasmy Agam, said by doing so, it would enable issues on human rights to be given priority in the country's planning and development.

He said since Suhakam was established in 1999, it had submitted 12 annual reports to Parliament, as required under Section 21 of the Human Rights Act 1999.

 "However, the reports were never discussed in Parliament," he said at the launch of Suhakam's 2012 Annual report here. 

In another development, Hasmy expressed the commission's concern over the government's proposal to formulate a new law to replace the Emergency Ordinance 1969, which was abolished last year, and described it as a retrogressive move.

 "This being that any detention without a trial is a breach of the Federal Constitution and human rights principles, especially Article 8(1) and Article 7 in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) which state that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.

 "Therefore, the use of a retrogressive approach will only bring the country backward," he added.

Meanwhile, Suhakam vice-chairman Datuk Dr Khaw Lake Tee said the annual report would be submitted to Parliament this week.

The report outlined 14 main issues pertaining to civil and political rights, economy, social and culture, law enforcement by enforcement bodies, Suhakam's role in the court, National Human Rights Action Plan and development on human rights issues at regional and international level.

Khaw said Suhakam received 660 complaints nationwide last year and they included cases on human rights, alleged abuse of power by government and private agencies, land matters, Orang Asli, refugees, disabled persons and education.

 "From the 660 complaints received, 206 cases have been resolved," he added. - Bernama.