Human rights not in conflict with religion, says SUHAKAM

Human rights is in line with all religions in the world, including Islam, the Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) told participants at an event marking Human Rights Day.

Tan Sri Razali Ismail said one of the basic principles of human rights – upholding human dignity – was championed by all religions.

"Human rights has sometimes been misunderstood and seen as a threat to religion," Razali told the gathering at Padang Timur.

"To me, this view needs to be corrected as Islam is a religion that places importance on human dignity and that is what is being championed in human rights."

Razali said the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination was not in conflict with the religious norms of Malaysia.

"For SUHAKAM, we are always committed to ensuring human rights in Malaysia can be practised and protected systematically in all aspects based on the Rukun Negara and the Federal Constitution.

"Although certain quarters try to link SUAHAKM and human rights as following Western values that clash with religion, this is not true," he said.

"Human rights allows for and encourages collective success, which is why Malaysians should embrace and uphold human rights."

In an earlier statement, SUHAKAM expressed disappointment in the Government's unexpected decision to turn back Malaysia's commitment to accede to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination

"SUHAHAM hopes that the Government will have the political will to lead purposeful and policy-driven national dialogues on substantive equality and elimination of racial discrimination in pursuit of an agenda of democratic transformation at all levels," the statement said.

"SUHAHAM stands ready to play a role in this process.

"SUHAHAM reiterates that the ICERD affirms the necessity of eliminating racial discrimination throughout the world in all its forms and manifestations and hopes that Malaysia will find it necessary to reconsider its decision."

Date: 12 December 2018