Both local and foreign NGOs are calling on Putrajaya to cease its “harassment” of Suaram. — File pic
KUALA
LUMPUR, Sept 17 ― A group of 56 regional and international
non-governmental organisations (NGOs) today rallied behind human rights
watchdog Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) and demanded the Malaysian
government stop harassing the group over its funding sources.
In a joint statement today, the groups reminded Putrajaya that it has
also received foreign development aid in the past, adding that the
government’s insinuation that Suaram has a hidden political agenda was
made in “bad faith” and “irresponsible”.
“We strongly condemn the Malaysian government’s attempts to discredit
those who receive foreign funds for their human rights work, including
insinuations made in the media that foreign-funded organisations,
including Suaram, may have hidden political agendas.
“We emphasise that foreign funding is indeed necessary for many NGOs,
not only in Malaysia, but across the globe,” the statement said.
The groups, which include NGOs from Nepal, Afghanistan, Indonesia,
Cambodia, Pakistan, Philippines, Australia and even China and South
Korea, sang Suaram’s praises and said the Malaysian-based organisation
was widely recognised both regionally and internationally, as well as a
credible voice for the protection of human rights here.
Suaram is currently in the limelight due to its part in an ongoing
French inquiry probing possible corruption in Malaysia’s multibillion
ringgit purchase of two Scorpene submarines, which has been linked to
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and the murder of Mongolian model
Altantuyaa Shaariibuu.
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