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Gerakan backs Suhakam's call for the setting up of a parliamentary special committee on human rights

Cheah Soon Hai: Government must institutionalise the respect for human rights

 
 

Press statement by

Gerakan Deputy President

Dr Cheah Soon Hai

 
 

12 December 2013

 
 

Gerakan Deputy President Dr Cheah Soon Hai has echoed a recent call by the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) to set up a special committee in Parliament to discuss its annual report and step up efforts to improve the country's human rights. Cheah threw his support behind Suhakam and commended the body for tirelessly defending and fostering the respect for human rights.

 
 

"It is important that Suhakam's annual report on human rights be debated in the Parliament and not ignored simply because of its paramount importance that the report is debated and the state is held accountable for any infringement of the fundamental liberties enshrined in Part II of our Federal Constitution. As Malaysia progresses and matures democratically, our protection and respect for the fundamental liberties of all Malaysians must be scrutinised and improved if the need be," said Cheah.

 
 

In addition, Cheah also called on the government ratify the remaining six core international human rights treaties as soon as possible to raise the country's profile and to exhibit our seriousness of being a country that is respected and adored for its commitment to human rights and liberty. He opined that it is now time for the government to institutionalise the respect for human rights and start translating the spirit and letter of the treaties into policy making. Cheah also suggested that a human rights module be introduced in schools to raise awareness among the youth on the importance of human rights.

 
 

Cheah stressed that Gerakan is ready to collaborate with all parties to promote human rights in the country as it is a universal cause that should not be hindered by partisan politicking. He added that in conjunction with World Human Rights Day, Gerakan has recently launched a signing campaign to call for the abolition of death penalty, which serves as a testament to Gerakan's commitment to continue championing human rights.

 

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