Suhakam defends native land rights inquiry
Published: Mar 9, 2012 2:35 AM | Updated: Mar 9, 2012 6:44 AM
The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) has denied Sarawak Timber Association (STA) claims that it had acted unfairly in its ongoing inquiry into indigenous people's land rights.
The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) has denied Sarawak Timber Association (STA) claims that it had acted unfairly in its ongoing inquiry into indigenous people's land rights.
In a statement issued yesterday, Suhakam chairperson Hasmy Agam said the commission was mandated by law to probe allegations of human rights infringements.
As such, the public hearing held by the commission was in fact to determine the veracity of such allegations and to provide an opportunity to those allegedly responsible for such acts to respond, he said.
Hasmy (left) was reacting to claims by STA general manager Peter Kho who had accused the inquiry of being "extremely biased, unfair and non transparent to STA members."
Kho said that if this allegation was not addressed, STA members would boycott the inquiry when it convenes in Miri and Bintulu.
He claimed that the hearing was not a fact-finding mission as claimed and that the timber company's guilt had already pronounced.
He added that STA members were given only one month to prepare and this was not enough.
Commenting on this, Hasmy admitted that there were "late invitations" that were sent to witnesses, but stressed that it has always been open to suggestions for a postponement.
"Hence, the commission deliberately sent out invitations rather than subpoenas to witnesses," he said.
Deadline extended on request
Furthermore, the commission had also previously agreed to STA's request to extend the deadline for submission of their replies to preliminary questions for the inquiry.
The deadline was pushed back from Nov 15 to Dec 31 last year.
"While the commission did not receive any submission from the STA after the extended deadline, the commission's willingness to hear such requests is evident," said Hasmy.
He also denied allegations that the inquiry had attempted to catch STA witnesses off guard by demanding that they supply certain documentation during the inquiry.
While the inquiry was generally pleased with the cooperation extended by the witnesses, he said a few representing timber companies were not prepared to provide evidence and information necessary for the inquiry.
"The panel therefore proceeded to further probe these witnesses to get such documents and responses which are essential to ensure that the panel does not come to inaccurate and partial conclusions in its report," he said.
STA had complained about the conduct of the inquiry following the Sibu leg of the Suhakam inquiry.
The first leg was held in Serian. Two more hearings are scheduled for Bintulu (March 7 to 10) and Miri (March 12 to 14).
A total of 100 witnesses are expected to testify during whole course of the inquiry.
In a statement issued yesterday, Suhakam chairperson Hasmy Agam said the commission was mandated by law to probe allegations of human rights infringements.
As such, the public hearing held by the commission was in fact to determine the veracity of such allegations and to provide an opportunity to those allegedly responsible for such acts to respond, he said.
Hasmy (left) was reacting to claims by STA general manager Peter Kho who had accused the inquiry of being "extremely biased, unfair and non transparent to STA members."Kho said that if this allegation was not addressed, STA members would boycott the inquiry when it convenes in Miri and Bintulu.
He claimed that the hearing was not a fact-finding mission as claimed and that the timber company's guilt had already pronounced.
He added that STA members were given only one month to prepare and this was not enough.
Commenting on this, Hasmy admitted that there were "late invitations" that were sent to witnesses, but stressed that it has always been open to suggestions for a postponement.
"Hence, the commission deliberately sent out invitations rather than subpoenas to witnesses," he said.
Deadline extended on request
Furthermore, the commission had also previously agreed to STA's request to extend the deadline for submission of their replies to preliminary questions for the inquiry.
The deadline was pushed back from Nov 15 to Dec 31 last year.
"While the commission did not receive any submission from the STA after the extended deadline, the commission's willingness to hear such requests is evident," said Hasmy.
He also denied allegations that the inquiry had attempted to catch STA witnesses off guard by demanding that they supply certain documentation during the inquiry. While the inquiry was generally pleased with the cooperation extended by the witnesses, he said a few representing timber companies were not prepared to provide evidence and information necessary for the inquiry.
"The panel therefore proceeded to further probe these witnesses to get such documents and responses which are essential to ensure that the panel does not come to inaccurate and partial conclusions in its report," he said.
STA had complained about the conduct of the inquiry following the Sibu leg of the Suhakam inquiry.
The first leg was held in Serian. Two more hearings are scheduled for Bintulu (March 7 to 10) and Miri (March 12 to 14).
A total of 100 witnesses are expected to testify during whole course of the inquiry.
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