After the inaugural meeting for the new term on 25 April and the second meeting
on 11 May 2007, the Human Rights Committee (HRC) unanimously established 6 key
components to carry out the human rights work of the Bar:
• Policy & Law Reform Working Group (PLRWG) chaired by Zarizana Bt Abd Aziz
• Advocacy & Public Relations Working Group (APRWG) chaired by Andrew Khoo
• Education & Training Working Group (ETWG) chaired by Zarizana Bt Abd Aziz
• Complaints & Interventions Strike–Force (CISF) chaired by Amer Hamzah Bin
Arshad
• Publications Working Group (PWG) chaired by Brendan Navin Siva
• The Orang Asli Project (OAP) chaired by Augustine Anthony
With a record number of more than 30 members in attendance – most of whom are
joining the Committee for the first time – there is an encouraging show of
renewed interest in the work of the Committee.
There is much work to be done and already, the OAP held its first sub–meeting on
10 May with stake–holders and interested parties, whilst the PLRWG’s first
sub–meeting was held on 18 May. The CISF is due to hold its first sub–meeting on
31 May.
In an unprecedented move, ‘A Blueprint for Human Rights’ containing the
terms of reference and areas of focus for the term has been adopted by the HRC.
Further, a fresh attempt to strengthen the effectiveness of State Bar mechanisms
in terms of human rights work is being made. A representative from each State
Bar Committee has been invited to serve on the Committee. Their roles are
crucial in the ETWG and the CISF.
Whilst the tasks before the Committee are enormous with numerous complaints
piling up at the Council Secretariat, the Committee seeks the support and
co–operation of members who wish to assist and serve either on an ad–hoc or
permanent basis, particularly with undertaking cases under the CISF and OAP.
Please send an email to
rezib@malaysianbar.org.my indicating your details and interest as soon
as possible.