Two human rights non-governmental organisations have criticised the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) for rejecting an invitation to observe the second 100,000 People's Gathering to be organised by Keadilan on Jan 20.

Suaram executive director Cynthia Gabriel expressed disappointment today that Suhakam will not monitor the gathering as past experience has shown that such gatherings can turn ugly when the police intervene.

"Despite the example of last gathering on Nov 5 at the Kesas Highway and the testimony of witnesses at a Suhakam inquiry showing that police brutality had taken place, Suhakam has rejected the offer to observe the coming gathering," Gabriel told malaysiakini.

"We are disappointed at their (Suhakam's) response. If this is the case, their effectiveness remains in question," she added.

Suhakam began a public inquiry on Nov 29 into alleged violence by police at the gathering of some 10,000 people at the Kesas Highway on their way to the "100,000 People's Gathering" planned by Keadilan at Jalan Kebun, Shah Alam on Nov 5.

So far, 25 witnesses including Keadilan president Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and a 17-year-old student have given their testimonies on incidents of police brutality.

The second '100,000 People's Gathering' will be held on private land at Kampung Medan, Teluk Panglima Garang, 4km off the Kelang-Banting Highway on Jan 20. It also doubles as an 'open house' to celebrate Hari Raya, Christmas and Chinese New Year to foster multi-racial and religious harmony, according to the organisers.

Two days ago, Suhakam sent an e-mail to the gathering's organiser, Saari Sungib, rejecting the invitation to attend and observe the event.

Gabriel said that it is strange that Suhakam refused to attend a supposedly political gathering as they (Suhakam) have endorsed the people's right to assemble peacefully on Aug 8, the judgement day of jailed former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar is now serving 15 years' jail in Sungai Buloh prison for corruption and sodomy convictions.

Pro-active call

"We'd like to remind Suhakam to be pro-active. Monitoring people's gathering is certainly one area where they can do that. They cannot just wait for things to happen," she said.

Gabriel said Suaram representatives would be there to observe the event and report on any untoward incidents.

National Human Rights Society (Hakam) secretary-general Elizabeth Wong said Suhakam's presence could perhaps ensure that the gathering ended peacefully.

"Their presence may ensure that police act more professionally this time," she told malaysiakini.

"We are not asking Suhakam to participate in the gathering but to assume their role as human rights commissioners - monitoring civil and political situations is their duty," she added.

Wong urged Suhakam to take their responsibilities seriously as the current civil and political situation in the country warranted their (Suhakam) monitoring and possible intervention.

She said that Suhakam should warn the police to act professionally and ensure civilians are protected during such events.

Hakam will also send their representatives to monitor the Jan 20 gathering, she added.