Covid-19 brings new understanding on human rights - Kua

 

The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted new understanding of the concept of individual human rights versus the community, said rights group Suaram's founder, Kua Kia Soong.

In saying this, Kua contrasted situations in Western countries with a high level of individual freedoms with China's authoritarian rule.

"For example, in the US, with a population of 300 million, they have suffered nearly a million deaths, all in the name of freedom of expression.

"On the other hand, you have countries that the West likes to call authoritarian, where they are concerned about ensuring their communities are protected," said the social activist.

In his speech during the launch of Suaram's annual Human Rights Report 2021 held at Kuala Lumpur and Chinese Assembly Hall, Kua pointed out that there are still lockdowns in Shanghai, where the population of 1.4 billion have seen 5,000 deaths.

"So again, you see in perspective an understanding of human rights of individuals and community," he said.

The latest outbreak in Shanghai, first detected in late March, has reportedly seen more than 400,000 cases recorded so far and 36 deaths.

Nearly all were elderly, unvaccinated residents with underlying health problems, according to reports quoting Chinese officials.

As a result, the city's 25 million people have been ordered to stay home.

Workers in protective suits keep watch at a sealed-off area following the Covid-19 outbreak in Shanghai, China

Meanwhile, various parts of the US have seen resistance to the mask mandate and other Covid-19 restrictions from individuals citing rights to individual liberty.

Back in Malaysia, Kua also cited recurring situations where the rights of indigenous communities or smaller groups were ignored over the rights of corporations or individuals, mostly involved in land ownership tussles.

"So again, we are seeing a very stark reminder of what human rights are about," he said.

Kua, who announced his retirement from Suaram at the age of 71, was earlier celebrated for his contributions to the organisation for over 30 years, as well as for inspiring other Malaysian human rights activists.

Moving forward, the author of more than 10 books said he is currently focusing on finishing his latest work, this time a personal memoir. - Mkini