KUALA LUMPUR – The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) has raised concerns over the lack of checks and balances on the executive during the emergency period.
Citing the suspension of Parliament and state assemblies, Suhakam said the movement control orders and standard operating procedures (SOPs) of the government were already sufficient to contain the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Suhakam stresses that Parliament is the central institution of democracy and it is a body entrusted with the oversight function to ensure that the Government is fully accountable to the people,” it said in a statement this evening.
“In this regard, Suhakam urges the government to uphold their duty and responsibility to respect the rule of law and continue to protect the fundamental liberties of the citizens as guaranteed under the federal constitution in its efforts to contain the pandemic.”
Suhakam joins the chorus of political parties and human rights groups that have expressed concern over the state of emergency whose implementation was announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday, under the pretext of combating the pandemic.
The emergency is effective from January 11 until August 1, 2021, but the period could be shortened upon the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong if the Covid-19 outbreak here is deemed under control.
Earlier today, the Society for the Promotion of Human Rights (Proham) called for the inclusion of civil society groups in the independent committee advising the king on the duration of the emergency.
Proham also called for the increased role of Suhakam to receive complaints and investigate any human rights violations that might arise with the suspension of Parliament.
The emergency was also criticised by those from both sides of the political divide.
Among others, the Pakatan Harapan (PH) presidential council led by PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng cautioned that Muhyiddin would now have absolute powers to act arbitrarily.
Calling the emergency proclamation “unjustifiable”, Suhakam said it should be guided by human rights principles and should not be used for any purpose other than to respond to the pandemic.
“Suhakam also calls upon the government to provide timely and effective measures to support the enjoyment of core economic and social rights of the people, particularly the vulnerable communities affected by the state of emergency and the movement control orders,” the commission said.
“These measures include the provision of support for livelihood, food, education, social protection and health.”– The Vibes, January 13, 2021
