Icerd is not in conflict with our religious norms, says Suhakam

PETALING JAYA: Human rights is in line with all religions in the world, including Islam, says Tan Sri Razali Ismail.

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) chairman said one of the basic principals of human rights – upholding human dignity – was also one that was championed by all religions.

“Human rights has sometimes been misunderstood and seen as a threat to religion.

“To me, this view needs to be corrected as Islam is a religion that places importance on human dignity and that is what is being championed in (the fight for) human rights,” he said during the Human Rights Day 2018 celebration at Padang Timur here yesterday.

Suhakam believes the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd) is not in conflict with the religious norms of Malaysia.

“For Suhakam, we are always committed to ensuring human rights in Malaysia could be practised and protected systematically in all aspects based on the Rukun Negara and the Federal Constitution.

“Although certain quarters tried to link Suhakam and human rights as following Western values that clashes with (local) religion, this is not true.

“Human rights allows for and encourages collective success which is why Malaysians should embrace the upholding of human rights.”

He said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who was initially the guest of honour at the event, had done organisers a favour by his absence.

“Because he is not here, people have suddenly become more interested and showed interest on the different (human rights) issues,” he said.

Suhakam commissioner Jerald Joseph said the Pakatan Harapan administration was more open to working with Suhakam than the previous administration.

He said Suhakam would continue to advise the administration on various human rights issues.