Three human rights non-governmental organisations will hold a combined meeting with other NGOs tomorrow to decide on a collective position toward the newly formed Human Rights Commission (Suhakam).

"The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the nature of our relationship and engagement with Suhakam," Suaram co-ordinator Yong Kai Peng said when contacted today.

Suhakam had on April 24 extended an invitation to three NGOs, namely Suaram, Aliran and Hakam, to kick off a series of dialogues with interested parties on human rights issues.

According to Suhakam chairman Musa Hitam, the meeting, planned for May 15 at Wisma Putra, will be held to promote understanding on both sides.

Yong said that 16 NGOs have confirmed their participation for tomorrow's closed-door meeting, including women's groups such as Awam, WAO, Tenaganita and WDC, as well as the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall Youth Organisation, Abim and Era Consumers Association.

The meeting, which is organised by the Gabungan NGO Prihatin Hak Asasi Manusia, an initiative of 48 NGOs, will also look into various issues that can be brought up for discussion with Suhakam.

Meanwhile, Hakam secretary-general Elizabeth Wong said her organisation's position is to closely monitor Suhakam for one year and give it a chance to exercise its responsibilities.

"If Suhakam fails to address fundamental human rights issues, then Hakam would definitely raise concern," Wong said.

She added that Hakam does look forward to engaging with Suhakam, but "we want to get feedback from other NGOs and come up with a cohesive decision".

Aliran president P. Ramakrishnan, on the other hand, said that his organisation has yet to respond to the commission's invitation as its (Aliran's) exco meeting will only be held this Sunday.

"We need to discuss and come to a formal decision first," he said.