KUALA LUMPUR: As Malaysia takes up top leadership posts in the region and at the United Nations next year, there will be greater scrutiny of its human rights record and commitment to moderation at home.
Experts at a forum on Malaysia’s seat at the Security Council (UNSC) said that the administration can no longer speak of human rights and moderation on the world stage and do the opposite at home.
In order to show real leadership, the Malaysian government must also ratify key UN conventions on human rights such as on preventing torture and giving recognition to political and economic rights.
“When you are at the world and regional stage, the need for accountability rises. These privileges come with responsibility and greater accountability,” said UN resident coordinator in Malaysia Michelle Gyles-McDonnough.
There is already attention on why Malaysia had not adopted more of the nine core UN human rights conventions, she said.
To date, Malaysia has only signed three of the nine instruments. Among those it is not a party to are the conventions on civil and political rights, refugees, elimination of racial discrimination, against torture and on the rights of migrant workers.
“These are not hard to do. They are low-hanging fruit. We hope that membership on the Security Council will provide more impetus for Malaysia to move forward in this area.”
Gyles-McDonnough also said the UN is watching closely how the government plans to fortify the Sedition Act as it is concerned that it can be used to limit freedom of expression.
“We hope that if the Act is to remain, it can be brought in line with international standards,” she said.
The forum on Tuesday night was held in conjunction with Human Rights Day yesterday and discussed the impact and expectations of Malaysia as it assumes one of 10 non-permanent seats on the UNSC.
The forum also comes at a time human rights and civil society groups are decrying the government’s decision to keep the controversial 1948 Sedition Act after promising two years ago to repeal it.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had announced last month that the Act would be strengthened.
In its 2014 report launched on Tuesday, human rights group Suaram said that human rights under Najib had hit a new low, and gave particular mention to eroding freedom of legitimate dissent with 44 people being investigated under the Sedition Act, and an increase in hate speech and violence.
Critics add that Najib is fond of talking up Malaysia’s image as a moderate Muslim country at the world stage, yet at home, his administration has been accused of being silent on extremist views that can incite racial and religious tension.
The forum was organised by Proham, a human rights group made up of former Malaysian Human Rights Commission members. — The Malaysian Insider
This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on December 11, 2014.