Walk the talk, Anwar's govt told on human rights

The Society for the Promotion of Human Rights (Proham) today urged the government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to stand by its reformist principles in tackling human rights issues, even as it joined the chorus of concerns raised over the home minister's recent remarks on a controversial detention law resisted by Pakatan Harapan (PH) during its time in the opposition. 

In a statement, it said it was concerned about Saifuddin Nasution's defence of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 or Sosma, which it said had long been recognised as an act that does not fulfil the minimum standard of human rights. 

"Among others, it allows for detention without trial," it added. "It is disappointing that Saifuddin also indicated no intention of reviewing the act." 

Saifuddin had said on Dec 13 that Sosma allows the court process to take place, comparing the law with its predecessor, the Internal Security Act.

He also said, among others, that arrests under Sosma are only done on "reliable intelligence and evidence".

Proham also voiced concern about the enforcement of the Independent Police Conduct Commission Act 2020 in June next year, saying the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission bill proposed in 2019 should be restored.

"The new government should at least call for a dialogue with the civil society groups working on this effort, given its controversial nature that also goes against the spirit of the 'reformist' government," it said. 

It also urged the government to play a proactive and progressive role as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, and to review and update the National Human Rights Action Plan according to Malaysia’s pledges to the council, its commitments in the Universal Periodic Review and other documents related to human rights. 

"We would also like to highlight that Malaysia remains far behind in its obligations to international human rights treaties with only three ratifications. We are among the lowest in signing them in the Southeast Asia region. 

"Now is the time for the new government to walk the talk and stand by its reformist principles guided by human rights and democracy to advance human rights protection in the country," it said.