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Article and photos contributed by Adilah Ariffin, Executive Officer, Human Rights Committee


On 13 April 2010 the Malaysian Bar, in collaboration with the Coalition of Malaysian NGOs in the Universal Periodic Review Process (COMANGO), held a press conference at the Bar Council premises to address the issue of the Malaysian government seeking election to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) based in Geneva, Switzerland.  Malaysia is bidding for one of the four seats set aside for Asia for the term 2010-2013.

The Malaysian Bar was represented by its President, Ragunath Kesavan, and the Chairperson of the Human Rights Committee, Andrew Khoo.  COMANGO members that sent representatives to the press conference were Centre for Independent Journalism, EMPOWER, Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism, PT Foundation, Sisters in Islam, SUARAM, and Women’s Candidacy Initiative (WCI).


SUARAM, on behalf of the Malaysian Bar and COMANGO, has written to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to request a meeting to discuss Malaysia’s election bid and the voluntary pledges and commitments that the Malaysian government should issue.  So far, the Malaysian government has not announced any voluntary pledges and commitments.  This is unlike the governments of the Maldives and Thailand, both of which are also seeking election to the UNHRC.  Both countries released their list of voluntary pledges and commitments some weeks ago.  The elections will take place at the General Assembly in New York, USA on 13 May 2010. 

To read the list of voluntary pledges and commitments for the Malaysian government to adopt for election to the UNHRC jointly recommended by Malaysian Bar Council and COMANGO, please click here.  WCI issued another separate statement.