The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) has declined Keadilan's invitation to observe the Jan 20 gathering which is being held to foster closer ties within the reformasi movement and celebrate Barisan Alternatif's victory in the recent Lunas by-election.

In its reply dated Jan 10, Suhakam thanked the opposition party for the invitation, stating that "after evaluating the matter, (we) regret to inform (you) that Suhakam would not be able to accept the invitation".

"There was a lot of debate on whether to attend the gathering or not. The pros and the cons were weighed," Suhakam secretary Kamaruddin Baria told malaysiakini today.

Pressed for the reason behind the decision, Kamaruddin declined further comment, beyond that the commissioners made the decision in a meeting in Sabah last week.

Saari Sungib, president of the organising committee, had sent Suhakam an e-mail invitation on Dec 30 to monitor the gathering which will be held at Kampung Medan, Telok Panglima Garang, 4km off the Klang-Banting exit off Kesas Highway ([#1]Human rights watchdog invited to observe gathering[/#], Jan 2).

The previous Keadilan-organised rally on Nov 5, the "100,000 People's Gathering", was aborted after police stopped participants from going to the venue on Jalan Kg Kebun, Shah Alam, by cordoning off all exits to the place, creating a massive jam on the Kesas Highway.

Allegations of police brutality during the event have prompted the nine-month-old commission to set up a three-member inquiry chaired by former chief justice Anuar Zainal Abidin, which has so far heard testimonies from 25 witnesses ranging from Keadilan president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail to a 17-year-old SPM student.

Observers

Meanwhile, Saari in a press statement today said that the organising committee, in the light of Suhakam's absence, will be inviting both the local and foreign press to be present.

"The committee also asks for the cooperation of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) focusing on human rights issues, especially Suaram, Hakam and Aliran, to prepare observers for the event.

"The expertise of these three NGOs in terms of reporting and highlighting cases of human rights abuses in this country would be much appreciated in ensuring that any untoward event may be recorded," Saari said.

He also called on those wanting to attend the Jan 20 gathering to act rationally and to not provoke as well as be provoked by anyone.

"Lastly, without the presence of any representatives from Suhakam, the people themselves must be the observers," Saari said.