Suhakam says lost a key human rights ally with Liew's passing

 

The National Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) said it has lost one of its strongest allies for human rights reforms with the passing of Batu Sapi MP Liew Vui Keong.

Suhakam said Liew, as the de facto law minister from 2018 to 2020, had pushed for various legal reforms.

"Suhakam is deeply saddened at the loss of one of its strongest allies in pushing for necessary human rights reforms in the country, Liew Vui Keong, who was the former minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Parliamentary Affairs).

"He was highly committed to realising human rights for all by pushing for various legal reforms, including the abolition of the mandatory death penalty, the introduction of a law on the right to information, establishment of an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC), among others.

"In this regard, Suhakam had the honour of working closely with him on the aforementioned matters," it said in a statement today. 

Suhakam noted that Liew also helped realised its 20-year hope for its annual report to be debated in Parliament.

"Suhakam's 2018 annual report was debated in Parliament on Dec 5, 2019 for the first time since 1999 and this has been heralded as a major breakthrough in Suhakam's continuous efforts to highlight pressing human rights issues in the country.

"Suhakam extends its heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. At the same time, Suhakam also reaffirms its commitment to continue to push for the human rights reforms he had started," it added.

Liew passed away yesterday at a hospital in Kota Kinabalu. He had succumbed to a lung infection.

He left behind widow Lindai Lee and four children.

Liew was warded for a suspected slip disc in mid-September and reportedly slipped into a coma after contracting a lung infection.

The Warisan permanent chairperson did not campaign nor contest during the Sabah state election.