In welcoming the tabling of the amendment to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999 earlier this week, CSO Platform for Reform said it still lacks “depth”, while the two commissioners remain compromised because of their political allegiance.

“CSO Platform for Reform urges once again Hasnal Rezua Merican Habib Merican and Nazira Abdul Rahim to resign from their positions immediately as soon as this Act is enforced because it is proven that they are involved in a political party.

“Suhakam is independent of the government and should not be mixed with people who are actively involved in politics,” it said in a statement today.

CSO Platform for Reform said it was also deeply concerned because the latest amendment to the Act, tabled on Wednesday, “looks too good to be true”.

“The amendment that touches on Suhakam’s authority to visit any institution and place, other than places of detention, according to the written law of the institution, is completely meaningless because in the end, the commissioners still need to adhere to the existing bureaucracy,” it said, adding that unannounced visits would be impossible.

“Commissioners should be given full freedom at any time to conduct unannounced visits to obtain clear evidence in the event of human rights violations anywhere.”

The group urged Suhakam to focus on transparency and playing a role in promoting human rights, not abolishing existing rights.