Suaram has right to foreign funds, says Sukaham

The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) has thrown its support behind Suaram as authorities continue to probe the human rights watchdog, saying there is nothing wrong for it to receive foreign funds if in the pursuit of defending human rights. 

“The 1998 UN Declaration on the Rights and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognised Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (formerly known as the Universal Declaration on Human Rights Defender) among others, recognises human rights defenders, of which Suaram is one, and their legitimate activities to protect and promote human rights including the receipt of funds from abroad in respect to defending human rights.

“Human rights defenders should be allowed to function freely, operate in an enabling and safe environment, and have the freedom to determine their statutes, structure and activities," Suhakam chairperson Hasmy Agam said in a statement.

The commission also expressed concern at the manner in which "current investigations into the affairs and accounts of Suaram are being conducted, publicised and reported".

Hasmy urged all authorities involved in ongoing investigations against Suaram to act in accordance to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's assurances for more civil freedom.

Suhakam, he added, welcomed the assurances made by Najib to push for more democratic reforms in response to growing demands for greater civil liberties.
           
“The commission urges all parties involved in the current investigations to act not only in accordance with the law and established processes but in line with the spirit and intent of the prime minister’s assurances” he said.

[More to follow]