PETALING JAYA: A coalition of civil society organisations has called on Hasnal Rezua Merican Habib Merican to step down from his post as a Suhakam commissioner.
This comes after Hasnal, the Selayang Umno chief, was named as Barisan Nasional’s candidate for the Kuang seat in Selangor.
CSO Platform for Reform said the appointment of a political leader to a significant position in Suhakam was a matter of concern and cast doubt on the independence of the human rights commission.
“The presence of Hasnal, a political leader, in Suhakam is a concern, especially since his party is also part of today’s government. The potential for conflicts of interest raises further concern.
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FMT has reached out to Hasnal for comment.
The coalition said there was a possibility Suhakam’s functions may be compromised, especially when its primary duty was to safeguard the principles of accountability and respect for human rights.
It also said there was a need for greater scrutiny of the new Suhakam commissioners who were appointed last year.
On Friday, former Suhakam commissioner Jerald Joseph also called for Hasnal’s resignation, saying the commission must be seen as independent and not politically affiliated.
Checks on the Suhakam website showed that Hasnal is still a commissioner.
Hasnal was among the Suhakam commissioners appointed in July last year, alongside Noor Aziah Awal, former Malaysian Bar president Ragunath Kesavan, Nordin Ibrahim, Dr Chew Chee Ming, Mary @ Mariati Robert and Nazira Abdul Rahim.
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