Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) commissioner Ramon Navaratnam must apologise for his 'misleading' statement on the status of the open inquiry concerning the Petaling Jaya Selatan tragedy, said Parti Reformasi Insan Malaysia (PRIM) pro-tem secretary general P Uthayakumar today.

Uthayakumar claimed the newly appointed commissioner's statement that an inquiry can only be held after the completion of the RM50 million suit filed against Suhakam by victims of the incident did not "reveal the whole truth".

"Ramon's statement was disappointing as it had disregarded Prim's earlier statement that the victims were prepared to withdraw the suit if Suhakam gave them a written commitment to hold an open inquiry into the tragedy," he said in a press statement.

Uthayakumar said on May 29, the victims' solicitor from M Manoharan & Co had had informed Suhakam's solicitor from Shearn Delamore & Co on the above development and that the victims are waiting for the commission's response.

"We hereby demand an open apology from the said commissioner and hope that he would not hide behind mere technicalities or loop holes in the law," he said.

At the Malaysian Indian in the New Millennium — Rebuilding Community conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, Ramon invited participants who wanted an investigation into the tragedy to see him after the court case is wrapped up.

'Premeditated violence'

The RM50 million suit was filed against the human rights watchdog two months ago over its failure to conduct an open inquiry following allegations that the violence was premeditated and that the police had failed to contain the crisis promptly.

The three-day violence — better known as the Kampung Medan tragedy — which erupted on March 8 last year, left six dead and scores injured.

Prim has been among the many non-governmental organisations and political parties who have urged Suhakam to conduct an inquiry.

Uthayakumar said although Prim understands that Ramon is not legally trained, the party felt that it was unbecoming for the commissioner to make the statement.

"We have made our position clear and we now challenge Suhakam to show bona fide (good faith) and reply to us.

"We have shown our bona fide and the ball is now in Suhakam's court to preserve their integrity and being seen to be upholding the cause of justice and human rights for all," he said.

Last week, Suhakam filed an application to strike out the suit and in its affidavit it said the Human Rights Commission Act prohibits any legal suit against Suhakam.