The suggestion by Suaram that the appointment of Suhakam members be open to selection by the public is impracticable.

For the time being, the selection of public figures by His Majesty the King, on the recommendation of the prime minister is sufficient. The fact that the current appointees had carried out their duties without fear or favour goes to show that Suhakam is alive and functioning. They have been more than responsible in their actions.

I agree with Ramdas Tikam Das, executive member of Hakam (Human Rights ), that what now needs to be done is to convince the government that some of Suhakam's recommendations are good for the country in the long run and they can be adopted into the 'Malaysian way of life' without jeopardising the country's stability or peace.

Blindly following some customised western values on human rights is not the answer to enhance respect for human rights in Malaysia. We must slowly nurture Suhakam to develop human rights values which are acceptable to all Malaysians and these values should be able to preserve peace and harmony amongst the various ethnic groups and religions in this country.

I am sure the PM would give careful consideration to any new appointees to Suhakam, which of course is no easy task. The appointment of the current members drew considerable criticism from many quarters initially but these criticisms are normal in a democratic society like ours.