No double standards, Suhakam tells Utusan
Published: Nov 7, 2014 9:56 AM | Updated: Nov 7, 2014 2:03 PM
The Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) has rebutted accusations in Umno-owned Utusan Malaysia that it practised double standards in opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy appeal at the Federal Court.
The Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) has rebutted accusations in Umno-owned Utusan Malaysia that it practised double standards in relation to Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy appeal.
The Malay daily in a report on Nov 5 had quoted right-wing group Perkasa accusing Suhakam of not taking to task Anwar's supporters, who assembled outside the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya, for creating "provocations".
Suhakam acting chairperson Khaw Lake Tee (left) stressed that any rally outside the court complex will not affect the decision.
"The commission is confident that such gatherings, if any, shall not influence, impede or obstruct the findings, decision, and/or judgment of the Court or affect the independence of the judiciary in respect to the delivery of justice in this appeal," she said in a statement today.
Khaw said all individuals are entitled to the freedom of assembly under Article 10(1)(b) of the Federal Consitution and Article 20(1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
"The commission stands firm that while peace and public order need to be maintained at all times, peaceful assemblies and gatherings must be recognised as a legitimate democratic means for the public
to express themselves and reiterates its position that public assemblies provide an avenue for the public to manifest themselves on issues that are of concern," she said.
Khaw added that to date, it yet to receive any complaints of unruly or disorderly conduct by supporters outside the Palace of Justice.
Nonetheless, she stressed that all parties must exercise their rights responsibility to safeguard peace and safety.
Khaw refrained from commenting further on the case, stating that the commission is not allowed to weigh in on ongoing judicial matters under Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999.
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The Malay daily in a report on Nov 5 had quoted right-wing group Perkasa accusing Suhakam of not taking to task Anwar's supporters, who assembled outside the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya, for creating "provocations".
Suhakam acting chairperson Khaw Lake Tee (left) stressed that any rally outside the court complex will not affect the decision."The commission is confident that such gatherings, if any, shall not influence, impede or obstruct the findings, decision, and/or judgment of the Court or affect the independence of the judiciary in respect to the delivery of justice in this appeal," she said in a statement today.
Khaw said all individuals are entitled to the freedom of assembly under Article 10(1)(b) of the Federal Consitution and Article 20(1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
"The commission stands firm that while peace and public order need to be maintained at all times, peaceful assemblies and gatherings must be recognised as a legitimate democratic means for the public
to express themselves and reiterates its position that public assemblies provide an avenue for the public to manifest themselves on issues that are of concern," she said.
Khaw added that to date, it yet to receive any complaints of unruly or disorderly conduct by supporters outside the Palace of Justice.
Nonetheless, she stressed that all parties must exercise their rights responsibility to safeguard peace and safety.
Khaw refrained from commenting further on the case, stating that the commission is not allowed to weigh in on ongoing judicial matters under Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999.
Related stories
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Apex court keeps verdict a guessing game
Federal Court defers judgment
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