The Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) must ensure that the 'war against terrorism' is not waged at the expense of human rights, said DAP chairperson Lim Kit Siang today.

In a press statement, the opposition leader said human rights in Malaysia have become even more precarious due to the abuse of laws.

He added that Suhakam, headed by Abu Talib Othman, has failed in its statutory responsibilities to protect and promote human rights as it had chosen to remain silent in the wake of this unprecedented erosion of freedom.

"Suhakam should be in the forefront to protect and entrench human rights to ensure that the battle against terrorism is not waged at the expense of human rights as the root causes of terrorism can only be addressed by strengthening democracy, human rights, social justice and the rule of law," he said.

Lim said the time has come for the civil society to issue an annual report card to assess the successes and failures of Suhakam beginning with the first annual report on Suhakam for 2002.

'Pariah' status

He said the situation is worsened by the fact that the commission is treated like a "pariah" by the government and the Parliament which has ignored Suhakam's annual reports for 2000 and 2001.

"If parliament is not to continue as a disgraceful failure to uphold human rights in the country it should treat Suhakam's annual reports with greater respect and seriousness by introducing a standing arrangement whereby a two-day parliamentary debate (is held) on the reports ," he added.

Lim was responding to Abu Talib's (photo) criticism yesterday against members of Parliament who did not see it fit to debate the commission's reports and recommendations.

The former attorney-general aired his discontent after a two-hour dialogue with civil society groups at Suhakam's office in Kuala Lumpur The groups also submitted a 11-page memorandum on the performance of the commission, priorities and pledges of the group and recommendations to the government.

Nothing to show

Although agreeing with the assertion that parliamentarians were being irresponsible for not debating the reports, Lim said it cannot be denied that Suhakam's failure to promote human rights was especially clear after Abu Talib took over from former chairperson Musa Hitam eight months ago.

He pointed out that the commission's 2000 and 2001 annual reports were done under the stewardship of its former chairperson whereas its current chief has "nothing whatsoever to show the Malaysian public".

Meanwhile, Lim said Suhakam has yet to make public the report pertaining to its inquiry into Internal Security Act detentions carried out by one of its commissioners, Harun Hashim, four months ago.

The veteran politician also noted there was no sign of the inquiry regarding the Sarawak Native Customary Rights land controversy chaired by Dr Salleh Mohd Nor, who said the findings would be made public last June.