The government launched another salvo today against the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) stating that its recent report which found the police guilty of brutality at a mass gathering last year, was 'biased and idealistic'.

This time it was Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who until today had remained circumspect about the report that had incurred the wrath of numerous government leaders, including Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"Suhakam witnessed the 100,000 People's Gathering along the Kesas highway from the perspective of a observer and not from the viewpoint of the police who faced a large crowd.

"For the officers on that day, their goal was to disperse the illegal gathering and in carrying out their duties, they had to take stern actions," he said, adding that the report was "biased and idealistic".

Abdullah, who is also the home minister in charge of the police force, was speaking at a forum at the Putra World Trade Center, Kuala Lumpur, in conjunction with Malaysian Human Rights Day.

However, Abdullah said the commission had compiled detailed reports from various witnesses who claimed that the police had acted violently and if this was true, the police's procedures must be reviewed.

Suhakam launched a four-month long inquiry into the Nov 5 gathering after several participants complained of police brutality.

After hearing the testimonies of 46 witnesses, including Keadilan president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and police personnel, Suhakam released its findings on Aug 20.

The 'hard-hitting' report found the police guilty of brutality and human rights violations.

This prompted Mahathir to lambast the commission for producing a report which he deemed to be "Western influenced".

Not suitable

Meanwhile, on Suhakam's freedom of assembly report, Abdullah said the commission's views on the matter were not suitable for the present situation in the country.

"On Suhakam's long-term recommendations, such as allowing gatherings without permits, the government believes it is unsuitable for the socio-political situation in Malaysia today," he said.

Majority rights, Abdullah stressed, should be given prominence over individual rights and as a responsible government, the rights of the majority should always be defended.

Suhakam released the landmark report on Aug 3, which included several recommendations that called for the relaxation of restrictions imposed on the freedom of assembly.

To date, the commission has released three reports, including its inaugural annual report in April. All three reports have evoked criticisms from the authorities.

However, Abdullah said although the government and the commission disagreed on several issues, Suhakam will continue to receive the support from the authorities.

"Though we do not agree on a few issues, we (the government) view seriously and give in-depth attention to Suhakam's recommendations that can be carried out.

"Nonetheless, the government still needs to enforce controls and give guidance on civil and political rights but there may be even one day where these controls would be loosened," he said.

Political games

The deputy premier also defended the government's use of the Internal Security Act against 10 Keadilan leaders and reformasi activists, and 10 alleged members of the Malaysian Mujahideen Group, some of whom are linked to PAS.

The detainees, six of whom are serving a two-year detention, were held for their alleged involvement in a 'militant attempt to topple the government'.

"The government will not use the ISA against opposition parties that respect the democratic process. As long as they do not break the law they are free to carry out their activities," said Abdullah.

Unfortunately, the issues of civil and political rights have become victims of political games and the fight for these rights have been considered anti-government because of non-governmental organisations and opposition parties using these issues as platforms, he lamented.

Suhakam commissioners have maintained that the controversial ISA, which provides for detention without trial, is a violation of human rights.

Earlier in his speech, Abdullah quipped about the comments made regarding him attending a Suhakam function.

"There is no problem with me attending this function. I am just here to officiate it and to give my two cents worth," he said.

Suhakam has designated today, Sept 9 - the day when the Human Rights Commission Act was approved in 1999 - as Malaysian Human Rights Day.