Human rights commissioner Prof Mohd Hamdan Adnan today revealed that he was an Umno member and took the party Youth chief to task for accusing the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) of being pro-opposition.

'I am an Umno member, don't accuse me of siding with the opposition!' lashed the commissioner when asked to comment on Hishamuddin Hussein's statement.

The Youth chief was quoted in news reports today as saying that Suhakam appeared to be pro-opposition after taking offence with the commissioner's recent criticism of the wing.

Mohd Hamdan had labelled Umno Youth as being 'immature' for protesting against the Election Commission's decision to lift the ban on public rallies for the next general election.

Wisdom needed

"It is ridiculous. I don't know about the other commissioners' opinions (but) Suhakam does not take sides. We only side with human rights.

"After all, when I made the statement, I was also an Umno member. I am a member in the Seremban (branch) since five years ago," said the infuriated commissioner when contacted this morning.

Describing Hishamuddin's accusation as "amazing", Mohd Hamdan said Umno Youth and its leaders need more wisdom.

"I am sure if Umno Youth was in the opposition then they will definitely demand for the right for peaceful assemblies during elections.

"They need more wisdom. They are the future leaders of the country, they need wisdom when making statements," he added.

Elaborating further on Suhakam's stand, Mohd Hamdan said the commission was defending the right to hold peaceful assemblies as provided under the Federal Constitution.

He added that since the commission was established in 1999, approximately one-eighth of the memorandums submitted to the commission concerned peaceful assemblies.

"It is interesting when (Hishammuddin) said Suhakam reacted without knowing the whole issue about public rallies - this is an issue that Suhakam has been championing all the time," he said.

Democratic process

Mohd Hamdan said Malaysians were peace loving and capable of distinguishing between good and bad while political parties should have confidence in the police force for handling the rallies.

"After all, this is a parliamentary democratic nation and it is especially important for us to respect the rights for peaceful assembly during the general election - which is a democratic process," he stressed.

The commissioner, who is into his second term, also called on the wing to eradicate the image of not respecting this constitutional right.

He stressed that Suhakam will hear grouses concerning human rights from every party, regardless of whether it was an opposition or ruling party.

Mohd Hamdan said even Umno Youth has submitted a complaint to the commission in the past.

"I know my commissioner's term may not be renewed, but we must encourage people to speak out when there is an infringement of human rights, otherwise they will be many undercurrents," he added.

Regardless of what happens, Mohd Hamdan vowed that he would remain outspoken as he was the president for the Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (Fomca).