PM advised us to postpone event, says Suhakam chief

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad advised Suhakam to postpone its event tomorrow after the police highlighted potential security risks, according to the commission's chairperson Razali Ismail.

“The PM decided not to attend and decided to advise us to postpone. The letter from the PMO (Prime Minister's Office) is on the way,” he told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur this evening.

Responding to further questions on this matter, Razali said the Prime Minister’s Office wanted to postpone the event based on the points raised by the police.

Mahathir was supposed to be the chief guest at the event to celebrate the International Human Rights Day in Padang Timur, Petaling Jaya.

Earlier today, Malaysiakini reported that police advised Suhakam to postpone the event due to security risks.

Suhakam has now moved the event to Sunday and invitations would be sent to Mahathir, the chief secretary of the government Ismail Bakar and members of Parliament.

However, Razali said Mahathir might not be able to attend due to the short notice. Suhakam has secured Dewan Rakyat speaker Mohamad Arif Md Yusof as the keynote speaker for the event.

The Suhakam chief, who was disappointed with the postponement, pointed out that the commission's event did not pose a security threat.

“We are not the security risk, if there are security risks, it is up to the police to handle it. Malaysia Baru (New Malaysia) means different ways to look at things.

“If you are talking about the application of democracy, it must also come with the ability to ensure democracy and not have to make compromises like this.

“This is not a question of defying the police or government. But we were given the impression that the government runs on security considerations,” he added.

In a media statement earlier, Razali said the government appears to have been influenced by pressure tactics and extremism.

The Suhakam event would have coincided with another gathering tomorrow, where tens of thousands are expected to gather in Kuala Lumpur.

The gathering is to celebrate the government's decision not to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd).

Umno and PAS leaders have claimed that Suhakam’s event was “provocative”, because it coincided with the anti-Icerd rally.

However, Suhakam’s event was planned long before the anti-Icerd rally was announced. Malaysiakini was informed of Mahathir’s participation of the event on Oct 26. - Mkini