Appoint a capable cabinet, says Suhakam

PETALING JAYA: Newly-minted Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad should appoint a capable cabinet which can address national needs and international demands, says Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) chairman Tan Sri Razali Ismail.

In congratulating Dr Mahathir as the seventh Malaysian prime minister, Razali hoped that future cabinet ministers would not be appointed based purely on political party calculations.

"Malaysia has not had altogether an illustrious set of ministers that meet the criteria of 'fit for purpose' and Suhakam looks for improvement," Razali said in a statement issued on Thursday (May 10).

Razali reminded Dr Mahathir to keep his election promises, which includes commitments to human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

Razali said that the 14th General Election had shown that Malaysians are now demanding for governance which would involve multiple stakeholders, not one that is elitist oriented.

"Suhakam has not enjoyed a mutually reinforcing relationship with the Government, and wants a functioning relationship with Parliament, including the latter debating Suhakam's Annual Reports."

Razali also proposed for the Government to examine the shortcomings and discrepancies of the 14th General Election.

He added that the present form of the Election Commission must be revamped in order to be on par with other democratic countries.