The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) has joined the ever increasing chorus calling for fresh state elections to resolve the political stalemate in Perak.
In a statement today, Suhakam chairperson Abu Talib Othman noted that the situation has deteriorated to a point which required the services of the ballot box.
"It is very unlikely that the Perak issue will be resolved unless power is given back to the people. Court actions will not necessarily resolve the political situation in the state," he said.
The former attorney-general also quoted Dewan Negara president Dr Abdul Abdul Hamid Pawanchik, who said: "The political situation in Perak has reached a stage that required the people to choose again."
Describing it as a basic human right to choose the government of choice, Abu Talib noted that only a stable government would be able to ensure the right to peace and development.
The Suhakam chief also lambasted the police and civil service for "acting in concert with the government that has assumed power in controversial circumstances, showing complete disregard for human rights".
He said governments might change but those who serve in the police and administration must remain loyal to the wider interest and respect human rights rather than the narrow interests of individuals who form the government of the day.
"When the elected members of the assembly met and challenged each other in the August House, the police were busily engaged in 'maintaining public order'.
"Outside, passive demonstrators dressed in black to mourn the violation of their rights to assemble peacefully, were particularly provoked and manhandled," he said.
Pose a dark shadow
Abu Talib also noted that the state assembly was convened on May 7 even when the court was only to decide on who the rightful menteri besar four days later.
"The pre-emptive proceedings, the motion to sack the legitimate speaker and his removal from the House and the action of the police force have caused much concern to the people at large.
"It somewhat makes us wonder whether service to the people is subordinate to service to political interests," he said, adding that the Kuala Lumpur High Court's decision to declare Pakatan Rakyat's Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin as the legitimate menteri besar has further complicated matters.
"Malaysia is a democratic country based on human rights and rule of law. The political disturbances in Perak would no doubt pose a dark shadow over our efforts to promote democracy and human rights in Malaysia."
Abu Talib said two of the greatest gifts endowed by God to his creatures are the sense of sight and hearing.
"Without these there is no learning and progress. It is very encouraging that the government under the leadership of Najib Abdul Razak is prepared to listen to dissenting views.
"Hopefully, the government would also tolerate and appreciate peaceful public demonstrations against unpopular polices and actions."
Continue wearing black
In a related development, the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) has called on Malaysians to wear black until the state assembly is dissolved.
"Bersih hails the Kuala Lumpur High Court's decision to affirm the legitimacy of Nizar as menteri besar as the first glimmer of hope which will hopefully spell the end to 1BlackMalaysia.
"The ball is now in the palace's court and the Perak Regent must make the right decision," it said in a statement.
Reiterating that fresh elections are the only way to end the constitutional crisis, Bersih called upon Barisan Nasional's Zambry Abd Kadir to "fully concede that his illegitimate journey to power has come to an end".
The coalition also warned Zambry against an attempt to reconvene the legislative assembly to pass a motion of no-confidence against Mohd Nizar.
"Such an attempt would only result in more legal suits. In any case, even if a vote of no-confidence is passed, the menteri besar can still appeal to the ruler to dissolve the state legislature. So, the ball remains in the palace's court," it added.
Malaysiakini
12/05/09
In a statement today, Suhakam chairperson Abu Talib Othman noted that the situation has deteriorated to a point which required the services of the ballot box.
"It is very unlikely that the Perak issue will be resolved unless power is given back to the people. Court actions will not necessarily resolve the political situation in the state," he said.
The former attorney-general also quoted Dewan Negara president Dr Abdul Abdul Hamid Pawanchik, who said: "The political situation in Perak has reached a stage that required the people to choose again."
Describing it as a basic human right to choose the government of choice, Abu Talib noted that only a stable government would be able to ensure the right to peace and development.
The Suhakam chief also lambasted the police and civil service for "acting in concert with the government that has assumed power in controversial circumstances, showing complete disregard for human rights".
He said governments might change but those who serve in the police and administration must remain loyal to the wider interest and respect human rights rather than the narrow interests of individuals who form the government of the day.
"When the elected members of the assembly met and challenged each other in the August House, the police were busily engaged in 'maintaining public order'.
"Outside, passive demonstrators dressed in black to mourn the violation of their rights to assemble peacefully, were particularly provoked and manhandled," he said.
Pose a dark shadow
Abu Talib also noted that the state assembly was convened on May 7 even when the court was only to decide on who the rightful menteri besar four days later.
"The pre-emptive proceedings, the motion to sack the legitimate speaker and his removal from the House and the action of the police force have caused much concern to the people at large.
"It somewhat makes us wonder whether service to the people is subordinate to service to political interests," he said, adding that the Kuala Lumpur High Court's decision to declare Pakatan Rakyat's Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin as the legitimate menteri besar has further complicated matters.
"Malaysia is a democratic country based on human rights and rule of law. The political disturbances in Perak would no doubt pose a dark shadow over our efforts to promote democracy and human rights in Malaysia."
Abu Talib said two of the greatest gifts endowed by God to his creatures are the sense of sight and hearing.
"Without these there is no learning and progress. It is very encouraging that the government under the leadership of Najib Abdul Razak is prepared to listen to dissenting views.
"Hopefully, the government would also tolerate and appreciate peaceful public demonstrations against unpopular polices and actions."
Continue wearing black
In a related development, the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) has called on Malaysians to wear black until the state assembly is dissolved.
"Bersih hails the Kuala Lumpur High Court's decision to affirm the legitimacy of Nizar as menteri besar as the first glimmer of hope which will hopefully spell the end to 1BlackMalaysia.
"The ball is now in the palace's court and the Perak Regent must make the right decision," it said in a statement.
Reiterating that fresh elections are the only way to end the constitutional crisis, Bersih called upon Barisan Nasional's Zambry Abd Kadir to "fully concede that his illegitimate journey to power has come to an end".
The coalition also warned Zambry against an attempt to reconvene the legislative assembly to pass a motion of no-confidence against Mohd Nizar.
"Such an attempt would only result in more legal suits. In any case, even if a vote of no-confidence is passed, the menteri besar can still appeal to the ruler to dissolve the state legislature. So, the ball remains in the palace's court," it added.
Malaysiakini
12/05/09
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