The forthcoming UN review on human rights will not look kindly upon Malaysia's recently amended Prevention of Crime Act 1959 for its preventive detention laws, warns the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam).

NONEThe universal periodic review (UPR) to take place at the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland, on Oct 24, aims to improve the human rights situation on the ground in all member countries.

The review, Suhakam chairperson Hasmy Agam (left) said in a statement today, aims to assess Malaysia's implementation of recommendations made in earlier reviews, as well as new developments.

"The commission wishes to bring to the attention of the government that its current legislative initiatives in the interests of public security, public order or prevention of crime, in particular the amendments to the Prevention of Crime Act 1959, which include provisions that are retrogressive in nature and inconsistent with fundamental human rights principles, will open the country to scrutiny and criticism by the international community, which will indirectly affect Malaysia’s human rights record at international fora," Hasmy warned.

The amendments to the PCA, which some say were "bulldozed through Parliament" last week despite vehement opposition from all around, have been called everything from "unconstitutional" to "regressive".

The government claims that preventive detention is critical to put a lid on a crime situation spiralling out of control. However, critics argue that it bypasses the judicial process and places power in the hands of a select few.

'Media must champion human rights'

Hasmy said the government must comply with world standards on human rights and "fulfil the pledges and voluntary commitments that it made in defending its candidature for membership of the HRC".

NONEHe also urged the media and civil society to play their roles in ensuring human rights principles are upheld.

"The commission also calls upon other stakeholders, particularly the media and members of civil society organisations to play their respective roles in advocating for the realisation of the review outcome towards enhancing the human rights situation in Malaysia," he said.

The reminder is a timely one in view of government leaders' hostility towards the media shown particularly in the past week.

The first UPR was held on February 11, 2009 where Malaysia accepted 62 of the review's 103 recommendations.

These include accession to international human rights treaties; review of existing laws and judicial systems; human rights of the vulnerable groups including indigenous peoples, women and children; foreign workers; trafficking in persons; as well as education, economic and healthcare rights, said Hasmy.

The upcoming review will assess documents that Suhakam has compiled together with 10 other stakeholders, available for download at the Human Rights Council website.


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