ALLOW UN REPS TO MAKE OFFICIAL VISIT: SUHAKAM

The Malaysian government should allow three UN special rapporteurs on human rights to make an official visit to Malaysia, said the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam).

In an sms sent to theSun today, Suhakam commissioner Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah said Suhakam always recommends that the government allows all outstanding invitations to UN special rapporteurs on human rights as part of the UN human rights compliance mechanism.

“As a member of the UN Human Rights Council, it is incumbent upon Malaysia to respect and comply with UN human rights monitoring mechanisms, including visits by UN special rapporteurs on human rights.”

Muhammad Sha’ani was asked to comment on the recent call by the Bersih 2.0 steering committee for the government to heed requests by three UN special rapporteurs to make an official visit over the Bersih 3.0 rally. The three are Maina Kiai, Margaret Sekaggya and Frank La Rue.