SUHAKAM: SOSMA violates basic human rights principles

BY: ERMIZI MUHAMAD
KUALA LUMPUR, DEC 20: The Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM) has described the detention of several individuals in this country as a violation of human rights and freedom.
SUHAKAM Commissioner, Professor Datuk Dr Aishah Bidin said they are consistent in their stance based on the human right principles and claims that are rightfully accorded to the citizens in this country.
However, she said that it is difficult for her to continue with a comprehensive investigation on the use of such Acts due to the delay in police response to facilitate the investigation process.
“Our stand is clear and consistent; that the use of these Acts violates the basic human rights of the people in this country.
“Nevertheless, we need comprehensive detail on several cases and claims on violation of the principles.

“We are facing challenges in our investigation as the feedback process is too slow and problematic for us,” she said.
She said that this morning, at the SUHAKAM office, during the meeting to submit a memorandum of protest by Bersih 2.0 Chairman, Maria Chin Abdullah and Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) Executive Director, Sevan Doraisamy.
Also present was former Batu Kawan Umno Division Deputy Chief, Datuk Khairuddin Abu Hassan.
In that meeting, Maria exposed the charges against her under the Security Offenses (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) which violates the principles of justice on her as a Malaysian.
According to her, it was more disappointing when the police seemed as though they were not following an actual Standard Operating Procedure when detaining her under that Act.
“We strongly oppose the use of such Act due to the injustice in preventing individuals from getting the appropriate defense in Court.
“It is on this claim that we urge SUHAKAM to conduct a transparent and fair investigation on the violation in that Act,” she said.
Last November 18, Maria was detained under SOSMA act for allegedly trying to undermine national security for organising the Bersih 5.0 peaceful rally.