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Let Us Convene Human Ruights Summits to Work Out Its Definition And Perspective In Malaysia Statement by Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong on Datuk Dr Rais Yatim's wider human rights perspective. 31 May 2000. | |||||||
| On 28 May 2000, the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Dr Rais Yatim said that Malaysia should have its own definition of human rights based on justice and truth to ensure the effectiveness of its Human Rights Commission, Suhakam. "We must have a wider perspective as Malaysia is only now standardising the human rights laws. Let us not blindly follow the United Nations or the practices of Western nations," he added. On 27 May 2000, Tan Sri Anuar Zainal Abidin, a member of Suhakam, commented that the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999 did not give a clear definition of human rights. Talking of justice and truth, we hope that Datuk Rais takes the initiative to publish the Justice In Jeopardy: Malaysia in 2000 report. Although he believes that the International Bar Association committee, which presents the report, is biased towards Malaysia especially the judicial system, he can also issue his version of the report simultaneously. The people can judge for themselves. We note that Datuk Rais stated in Melbourne, Australia, on 30 May 2000, that Malaysia could embark on "certain rejuvenation" within the judiciary but this required political will. As a part of the rejuvenation, he should make the Justice In Jeopardy public. It ist only available in the Internet. People within and outside the country are critical about the judiciary | |
and human rights. The existence of various draconian laws such as the Internal Security Act is enough to make the public wary of the definition and the perspective of human rights in Malaysia. With the heightened public consciousness, the human rights practices of governments including Malaysian Government have become a factor in the relations between nations. Information Technology with the increasing prominence of Internet provides an impetus on the recognition of this factor. The very action of the Malaysian Government to form Suhakam reflects the atmosphere. It is a start. It is never too late to mend. As Datuk Rais prattles about human rights based on justice and truth, a wider perspective, standardisation of laws and constant refrain about following UN and Western practices, we are waiting to see the true meanings of all these. One way of getting to the crux of the matter is to convene summits on human rights with participants from diverse sections of the community. We may be able to obtain something useful form these summits. However we perceive it, universal value is universal. All persons are born free and equal in dignity and rights. We hope that Datuk Rais can help towards attaining the Malaysian version of this value. It may be a beginning. It will take years, before we can achieve results. There will be constant refrain on human rights.
Dr Tan Seng Giaw | |||||
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