Why the delay in appointing new Suhakam Commissioners?

Media Statement by M Kula Segaran, DAP National Vice Chairman and MP for Ipoh Barat in Ipoh on Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Why the delay in appointing new Suhakam Commissioners? 

The country has been without any Suhakam Commissioners when the tenure of the previous Commissioners ended on April 25^th, 2013. 

   The nation’s 13 the general election is already over on May 5 and a new Cabinet has       been formed, why is the government still dragging its feet on the new appointments? 

This more than a month limbo without any Suhakam Commissioner in the nation is unacceptable and inexcusable. 

The limbo shows the BN’s government’s lack of appreciation and respect for Suhakam’s role and responsibilities to protect and promote human rights. 

It also shows that the new Cabinet is not an efficient and competent government despite all the talk about transformation .

In 2010, the nation was without Suhakam Commissioners for 45 days, is the government going to make this time a longer limbo? 

Suhakam is one important avenue of complaints which must function at all times.

As there have been human rights violations since May 5 , there can be no reason for any further delay in appointing new Commissioners.

Any further delay will give rise to suspicion that it is a deliberate government move to avoid Suhakam intervention and action on the human righst violations. . 

Recent political crackdown is a clear indication that there will be more human rights violations.

The Prime Minister must tell Malaysians when new Suhakam Commissioners will be appointed.

I will also ask the government to explain to Parliament when it convenes in June why it has again allowed the nation to be without Suhakam Commissioners this year after the shameful 45 day limbo in 2010.