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Statement by Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong on the Deputy Prime Minister Dato' Seri Abdullah Badawi's announcemen on the Cabinet Committee headed by himself to study the findings of the Suhakam report. 10.9.2001

Last month, the Malaysian Human Rights Commission, Suhakam, report blamed the police for human rights violations in dispersing the mass assembly at Kesas-Jalan Kebun, Selangor, on 5 November, 2000.

The Deputy Prime Minister said, "But we need to study the report before we can come to a conclusion. Several other parties need to study the report. The police have conducted theirs and submitted their views."

Although he believes that an independent commission is not necessary, we feel that unless this is done the public will have less confidence in the findings of his Cabinet committee. If the Government is adamant that it is right about the mass assembly, why should it fear an independent inquiry?

Anyway, Dato' Seri Abdullah should not keep harping on the Suhakam report as being bias and idealistic before a study of the detailed account of the incident. Such type of statement is not convincing.

ISA ABUSES

Granted we want the rule of law. We are against violence and extremism. But, the Government should create an atmosphere conducive for these.

The Deputy Prime Minister talks about the Government would not misuse the Internal Security Act, ISA, against opposition parties that respect democracy and that operate within the law. We hope that Suhakam and other independent bodies can investigate the veracity of this statement.

Democracy depends on an open and unbiased mass media. The onus is on everbody to say things with a basis. There should be channels for a redress of wrongs.

Dato' Seri Abdullah knows that speeches that have a basis, respecting democracy and operating within the law are rarely reported in the mass media especially the English and Bahasa Malaysia press, radio and television.

On the other hand, Barisan Nasional leaders seem always conform with democratic procedure, appearing on television and radio as well as the press. Even when public political gatherings are banned, BN functions proceed regardless.

Suhakam Chairman Tan Sri Musa Hitam says that the body would honour its responsibilities according to its interpretation of the Human Rights Act, 1999. We hope he will continue to do so.

The problems of human rights, democracy and public gathering will remain unresolved for a long time. However, we will continue to fight for a better deal on these. Meanwhile, the police should permit gatherings that are nonviolent, not extreme and not disorderly.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw