THE delay by Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s government in appointing commissioners for Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) clearly shows a lack of interest in human rights issues,  opposition politicians said.

They said it is unacceptable for Putrajaya to drag its feet in filling up the vacant positions.

DAP lawmaker Charles Santiago said human rights issues are not the main priority for Ismail’s government, although it is a government agency.

Despite Malaysia being elected to join the United Nations Human Rights Council last year, Santiago said Malaysia has not shown any commitment to the cause.

He said the government’s failure in finding successors to the vacant positions is a clear example of their lack of interest in human rights matters.

“This is actually the reflection of the government’s commitment towards human rights in the country.

“What is worse is that Suhakam is a government agency, where you think that issues of human rights will become a priority, especially now that we are in the Human Rights Council.

“Clearly that is not the case and you see that there is a lack of commitment,” the Klang MP told The Malaysian Insight.

In April, five Suhakam commissioners – Mah Weng Kwai, Dr Nik Salida Suhaila Nik Salleh, Loke Yim Pheng, Godfrey Gregory Jaitol and Jerald Joseph – stepped down after completing their terms. All of them had completed two terms of three years each.

They started their tenure as Suhakam commissioners in 2016, serving until 2019 and had their terms extended to this year. Under section 5(4) of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999, a third term is not allowed.

The remaining four commissioners started their tenure in 2019 and just completed their first term, meaning they are eligible to serve one more term.

Santiago said there is no political will to pursue and promote human rights, although there is an agency.

“The Suhakam report has not been debated in Parliament. This shows where the government’s priorities are,” he said.

Santiago also panned Ismail and his Keluarga Malaysia concept, saying democracy and human rights clearly do not exist.

“It is not there. The prime minister is not talking about it.

“Nowhere in the last six months as a prime minister has he said anything about human rights and democracy.

“If the prime minister is interested, I think he should say something about the commitment to human rights, democracy and rule of law openly as part of one of the characteristics of Keluarga Malaysia,” he said.

Muda’s Lim Wei Jiet also agreed with Santiago, saying the government is not taking Suhakam seriously.

Lim, who is the co-founder of the multiracial and youth-centric political party, said Suhakam commissioners play a vital role in the agency and the vacant positions would only stall most of the work, especially in investigating human rights violation cases.

“The Suhakam commissioners play a very important role in leading the agency, setting the policy framework. They also investigate potential human rights abuses and violations.

“So, when there is a gap of nearly two months, then all those things can’t move.

“This reflects the government’s lack of interest and seriousness in human rights issues in Malaysia,” said Lim, who is also a constitutional lawyer.

He said Ismail did mention a little bit about freedom of the press on Press Freedom Day but that was merely lip service.

“I don’t think there is anything concrete in terms of legislations and policies that show Ismail’s government is taking human rights issues seriously.

“There can be no excuses to leave the important positions vacant for close to two months,” Lim added.

PKR lawmaker William Leong, who chaired the Major Public Appointments Select Committee under the Pakatan Harapan administration, said arrangements for appointments of Suhakam commissioners would have started months ago.

Hence, he questioned the delay in appointing new commissioners.

“I was the chairman of the select committee on major public appointments, which include Suhakam, so I know that the internal arrangements would have been done months ago.

“The procedures would have been worked on at least six months ago. So what’s the delay?” the Selayang MP questioned.

Leong expressed his regret over the lack of emphasis given to the issue, adding that Ismail is too busy trying to hold on to his position.

“This is very sad and disappointing and is a reflection of where the priorities on human rights issues are.

“The prime minister is not keen because I think he is too busy trying to keep his job,” Leong added. – June 9, 2022.