Malaysia should set example on human rights issues after getting UNHRC seat, says Lee Lam Thye

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia must set an example to protect human rights issues in the country now that it has a seat at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (pic).

The former Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) member said Malaysia should be proud that it has been voted into the UNHRC for the 2022 - 2024 term.

Lee said that Malaysia’s entry into the council is also because of the existence of Suhakam, which has so far played a crucial and significant role in taking up issues concerning human rights violations in Malaysia.

“While we watch the world, in our capacity as a member of the UN council, we must also be cognizant of the fact that the world will also be watching us.

“As such, we must continuously set an example in looking after and protecting human rights issues in our country.

“We must have a good human rights record before we are in a position to speak up in the United Nations and take others to task on human rights abuses in other parts of the world. We must lead by example,” he said in a statement on Friday (Oct 15).

On Thursday (Oct 14), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that Malaysia was voted into the council after securing 183 votes.

Malaysia was previously elected to the council from 2006 to 2009 and from 2010 to 2013.