Suhakam wants to remain as independent observer

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KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) will observe the 13th General Election (GE13) independently and not as the Election Commission’s (EC) observer.

Suhakam vice-chairman Datuk Dr Khaw Lake Tee said this when asked by the media whether Suhakam would work with the EC to ensure a free and fair election by taking up the role of an official observer.

So far neither the EC had extended any invitation to Suhakam nor had Suhakam stated its interest to do so.

“They have done the right thing by not inviting us,” Khaw told the media during the Second Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Consultation on Malaysian Human Rights here yesterday.

Khaw noted that it was important for Suhakam to monitor the election process on its own, especially in issues related to human rights.

Suhakam has to maintain its impartiality as it is where aggrieved parties would refer matters related to human rights issues, especially during the election, he said. — Bernama