KUALA LUMPUR (May 10): The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) urges the newly sworn in Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, to appoint a capable cabinet to deal with the country's national needs and international demands, and not to base his selection purely on political party calculations.

In a message congratulating the new PM on his historic election victory, SUHAKAM chairman Tan Sri Razali Ismail observed that Malaysia has not had an altogether illustrious set of ministers that meet the criteria of "fit for purpose", and the commission is looking for improvement.

"SUHAKAM will find occasions in the future to remind the Prime Minister of his election promises that included commitments to human rights, democracy and the rule of law. At the 14th general election (GE14), the people have underscored that governance cannot any longer be elitist oriented but must include multiple stakeholders," Razali said.

He went on to say that SUHAKAM has not enjoyed a mutually reinforcing relationship with the government in the past, and now wants a functioning relationship with parliament, including the latter debating SUHAKAM's Annual Reports.

"SUHAKAM proposes to examine the shortcomings and discrepancies of GE14, particularly the narrow and rigid control of the Election Commission which itself must be revamped, in keeping with what other democratic countries have done," he added.