The government may consider setting guidelines for the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) on its investigation procedures and the conduct of its inquiries, Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Leo Michael Toyad said today.

He said the government is empowered to do so under Section 22 of the 1999 Suhakam Act.

According to the act, the minister responsible for Suhakam can prescribe the procedures to be followed in its inquiries.

"It is Suhakam's responsibility to preserve the country's good image. They must do this sincerely. Human rights must be based on the values and culture of a particular country," Toyad said.

He was responding to a question by Jamaluddin Jarjis (BN-Rompin) in Parliament, who asked if the ministry would set guidelines for Suhakam on its investigation procedures, reports and announcements.

The MP said that this would prevent Suhakam from being "trapped in controversial issues which will jeopardise its integrity".

Suhakam's inquiries, especially on police crackdown against the Nov 5 Kesas highway gathering last year, have drawn severe criticisms from the government.

Human rights for everyone

Jamaluddin also queried whether the opposition was practising double standards when it criticised the recent controversial statement made by Suhakam chairperson Musa Hitam.

Musa had said that "human rights must take a back seat" in the light of the Sept 11 attacks. The opposition had once praised the chief commissioner for his performance in the past.

In reply, Toyad said the opposition had the misguided notion that Suhakam was set up for them whereas it was established for the people of Malaysia.

He said when Suhakam made recommendations, it appeared as if the commission was against the government and the opposition felt it could turn to it to voice its complaints about certain issues.

"But human rights are for everyone and we must consider the well-being, peace and security of the country," he said.

Toyad also said the government will review the recommendations made by Suhakam in its Kesas highway inquiry report, which lambasted the police for abusing human rights.

However, he added that the government will also have to consider how the recommendations will affect the well-being and peace of the nation.

Meanwhile, Chow Kon Yeow (DAP-Tanjung) asked the deputy minister if the government would change its mind-set that is currently against allowing peaceful assemblies.

"Would the government consider Suhakam's views and issue permits to political parties so that the commission will not be only a decorative body?" Chow asked.

Toyad said that Suhakam is an independent body and the government is open to its suggestions.

"However, when we consider Suhakam's recommendations, we have to consider the well-being of everyone," he reiterated.