A Barisan Nasional member of Parliament today criticised the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) for bringing westernised ideas and policies into the country.

Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (BN-Batang Lupar) said policies which have been used for hundreds of years in the United States cannot be applied to a young country like Malaysia.

He said democracy has its limits and that the Americans know their parameters, unlike Malaysians.

"Moreover, Suhakam is lop-sided and its reports are subjective. It is obvious that those we consider enemies will always be wrong in whatever they do," he said while debating the proposed budget for 2002.

Wan Junaidi said those who created chaos did not have the necessary permit to assemble and thus, must not blame others who try to break up the group.

He said the police are mere human beings and they have to act in defence of their own security as they, too, have spouses and children at home.

Maintain law and order

"The truth is, those who created the violence are the ones who have gone against the law, the police have only been trying to maintain law and order," said Wan Junaidi, in his 30-minute speech.

"Suhakam must look at what the country needs in terms of security. Patriotism is not only about flying the flag but what lies behind that must also be protected," he added.

Meanwhile, Fong Po Kuan (DAP-Batu Gajah) complimented Suhakam for taking a positive step in meeting public university representatives on the need to educate students about basic human rights issues.

Fong said the move was timely as accusations have been hurled at university students linking them to the recent fire at Universiti Malaya's Dewan Tuanku Chancellor and alleged 'underground' activities to topple the government.

"Basic human rights issues must be taught even in primary schools and not become a 'privileged' subject for only university students," said Fong.

She said Suhakam must play a role in creating awareness of the need for students to claim back their rights and for the abolishment of the 1971 Universities and University Colleges Act which limits students' involvement in politics.

She said Suhakam must not be satisfied in only seeing that the Act becomes "more student friendly and appropriate with the current academic environment".