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The declaration contains common standard of human rights. If the Government believes that this standard is no longer relevant in 2000, it should formulate its own standard, perhaps a New Declaration of Human Rights proposed by the Malaysian

Government.

Meanwhile, Malaysians, who do not necessarily subscribe to the Government insistence that there is no human rights violation in the country, are waiting for concrete steps taken by the Government on the issue such as forming the above-mentioned commission of enquiry. For instance, it is difficult to say that detention under the Internal Security Act, ISA, (detention without trial) is not violating human rights. Through the years, thousands of Malaysians have been detained under ISA for one reason or another.

In 1989, revolutions occurred in Central and Eastern Europe, prompting international concern for human rights. Countries such as United States of America and the European Commuity have conditioned foreign policy and trade decisions on human rights. Last week, the American Congress approved the Permanent Trade Relations with China despite opposition because of human rights record in China. Trade prevails over human rights. Whatever the vicissitudes, the heightened public consciousness on human rights will continue.

Sensing public consciousness within and outside Malaysia, the Government decides to give the impression that it cares by presenting the Human Rights Commission Act. This enable the government to establish the commission, which is starting to arouse public attention and consciousness by encouraging seminars on the issue.

Malaysians will attend gatherings on human rights. They are getting more conscious of the issue. But, they would like to see not just the rhetorics and the writings in magazines, books and Internet, but actions.
Some governments are so eloquent in rhetorics and writings, but not so fluent in their performance.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw