Suhakam chairman Razali Ismail resigns

PETALING JAYA: Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) chairman Tan Sri Razali Ismail (pic) has resigned ahead of the end of his three-year term.

Malaysiakini reported that Razali, who took the position in 2016, resigned two weeks before the end of his term on April 27.

Razali confirmed that he had tendered his resignation letter to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"I have done three years (at Suhakam). I think I did a pretty credible job, and I (now) want to do more than advocacy," he was quoted saying.

"Doing things like human rights – it's an advocacy job, and it is enough after a while.

"It continues to be what it is, advocacy. It doesn't make a big difference on the ground," he said.

Razali added that he had also informed the commission of his decision and chose to resign early to allow them more time to prepare for a new chairperson.

Moving on, Razali said he planned to do more work on the ground that empowered the people.

"I want to do smaller things, look at smaller areas, empower people and help people.

"[...] In all these 40-over years, I have been defining myself as a Malaysian.

"Now, I want to do something on the ground to define myself as a Malaysian and a Malay, and help the Malays who are marginalised," he said.