Still No Signs Of Human Rights Reform By Pak Lah Government.

It has been three years since Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi came into office but there has been no institutional reform to strengthen human rights protection in Malaysia, the Human Rights Watch (HRW) said.

It said his promise of good governance and human rights improvement had raised hopes of making a break with the poor human rights record of his predecessor, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"While there has been a reduction of pressure on human rights groups and lawyers, there has been virtually no institutional reform," the international body said in its World Report 2007 released on Friday.

"The Abdullah administration has failed to dismantle the legal framework that allows security officials to detain persons indefinitely without charge or trial.

"Abuses against refugees and migrants continue to be reported and public discussions on interfaith issues and religious freedom are restricted."

HRW also noted the government's inaction in implementing the recommendations by the Royal Commission to Enhance the Royal Malaysia Police.

However, it observed that since Sept 11, 2001, international criticism of Malaysia's human rights records has decreased and Malaysia played significant role in regional and global issues.

This was judging from its position in chairing Asean and the Organisation of Islamic Conference, and facilitating negotiations between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Fund.

TheSun talked to three human rights non-governmental organisations to glean their views on the report's assessment of Malaysia:

Human Rights Society of Malaysia (Hakam) president Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, who has been in regular contact with HRW: "Respect for human rights on the part of the government still has a long way to go. The HRW report confirms this. A culture of rights is yet to be firmly established in Malaysia.

"As a member of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, it is unacceptable that Malaysia has failed to ratify fundamental and key human rights treaties, such as the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the Convention Against Torture.

"Does this mean the government believes it is permissible to violate these rights, or that Malaysians are not entitled to these rights? The failure cannot be justified.

"The government must take steps to follow through with the promises it has made to Malaysians, that the rights of all Malaysians are protected and all are equal."

Irene Fernandez, co-founder and director of Tenaganita, which contributed some information on the country's situation to HRW: "The report is fair in stating where human rights violations are concerned, like in the case of the Internal Security Act (ISA), which allows detention without trial.

"The saddest part is about the Royal Commission's report. It was a bold step for Abdullah to have the commission but implementation-wise, there was no progress. That is where the walk-the-talk is about. So now, we are back to square one.

"And, the government's attitude towards migrant workers, I see it as a recalcitrant behaviour."

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) director Elizabeth Wong: "The report is not very different from Suaram's overview of 2006, released in December last year. It was interesting for them to note the few key areas in human rights that need improvement.

"The government must take serious note of this report as it can be considered an international audit, how international human rights organisations view Malaysia.

"The report is also read by business communities and international policy makers," she said. (Husna Yusop, TheSun)

****** Is three years enough time for the government to have shown some hint of reforms or should Pak Lah be given a full term in office before we see any sign of improvement. It is said that some have already given up on the PM and his ability to institute reforms. What do y0u think?
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