SUHAKAM: THE RIGHT TO ASSEMBLE AND THE SAFETY OF ALL PEOPLE MUST BE SAFEGUARDED

PRESS STATEMENT

THE RIGHT TO ASSEMBLE AND THE SAFETY OF ALL PEOPLE MUST BE SAFEGUARDED

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (the Commission) welcomes the efforts taken by the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar to initiate a dialogue between the Police and the organisers of the planned assembly of 9th January 2012. The Commission has on several occasions called upon the authorities to allow and to facilitate the right of the people to exercise their right of public assembly. The willingness of the Police to facilitate and ensure an orderly and peaceful assembly is therefore applauded and supported by the Commission. Such facilitation will ensure the exercise of the right to assemble without jeopardising the rights of others to conduct their daily lives and affairs with minimum disruption. In this regard, if required, the Commission is willing to offer its assistance, as a neutral and impartial body, at the dialogue to faciliate an orderly and peaceful assembly on 9th January.
 

The Commission also wishes to reiterate its stand that while it acknowledges that peace and stability are paramount and that public order needs to be maintained at all times, it is also of the view that public assemblies provide an avenue for the public to express themselves on issues that are of concern. These rights are provided for under Article 10(1)(b) of the Federal Constitution and Article 20(1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), and Article 19 of the UDHR on freedom of expression.
 

Nonetheless, in the demand for democracy, the Commission urges all parties to exercise their rights responsibly in ensuring that peace and safety of all involved are safeguarded and importantly, that the rights of other people who are indirectly involved must also be respected and protected. In this regard, the Commission looks forward to the Government’s continued support and commitment towards the protection and promotion of human rights.
 

“HUMAN RIGHTS FOR ALL”

TAN SRI HASMY AGAM
Chairman
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

5/1/2012