IT is disheartening to note that the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (ICC) proposes to downgrade Malaysia from A to B for not adhering strictly to international human rights institution standards.

Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suha-kam) chairman Tan Sri Abu Talib Othman said Suha-kam had done its best and it couldn’t go beyond that.

Its report and recommendations have not been acted upon by the ministries and government agencies.

Its effort to amend some of the provisions in the Suhakam Act has not been given the attention that it deserves.

It is impossible for any legally constituted national body established on international principles and standards to achieve its goals without the blessing and backing of the government.
It is obvious from the chairman’s response that lack of political will is the root cause for its predicament.

The government should not perceive Suhakam as a non-governmental organisation whose function is to criticise it. Its roles and responsibilities are aimed at protecting every human.

Since its inception in 2000, it has educated Malaysians on human rights and helped the government in formulating legislative and administrative directives and procedures. The media, too, have given wide coverage to Suhakam’s activities.

This has instilled greater awareness in the people as seen from the large number who had sought its help.

The government must give Suhakam the clout needed to carry out its tasks.