I note what might be an interesting trend. In both Suhakam and ACA (soon to be ‘MCAC’), we see staff members – who I believe are technically civil servants, as opposed to their appointed bosses – starting to find a braver voice in stating their vision for the future directions of their respective institutions, and beginning their own calls for reform and change.
“In countries like Australia and New Zealand, the human rights commission makes it clear that a commissioner should not stay for more than five years,” said an officer.
Another high-ranking officer echoed the sentiment, saying it is a common feeling among the 70-odd officers that they want a “complete change”.
“If I had my way, I would not mind seeing all of them replaced, especially those who will soon entering their 10th year at Suhakam. Even Parliament has changed half of faces but we’re still getting old faces here,” she said.
“We really need new blood in Suhakam and I hope the decision-maker knows this is coming from us – the officers.”
ACA:
A happy ACA director-general Ahmad Said Hamdan today welcomed Abdullah’s decision to restructure the agency.
“It’s very good. It is what you want and what people want,” he told reporters.
He said that though the commission would remain a part of the civil service and had to report to the government, it would have more freedom and power.
“You have to report to the government. Just to report. What you want is for us to be free during investigation, no interference; that’s what we are going to do,” he said.
Last week, Ahmad and his deputy Abu Kassim Mohamad had submitted a proposal for the agency to be completely independent and not just an arm of the government.
It should not come as a surprise that there may be many, many good souls within the civil service who want nothing more than to uphold integrity. Let’s hope their finding their voice is only the first of many steps towards genuine reform.
SUHAKAM’s humiliation !!
I was called to KL, 500km to-fro Ipoh to attend its very 1st historic INQUIRY on my issue of ‘quest for justice’ on 24-7-2000 and on 31-7-2000 I met with the chairman, ex-DPM who shook my hand & promised me, ” don’t worry, we’ll our BEST to help you get justice!”
7 long months went past but NOTHING was done despite my numerous costly phone-calls, reg. letters & emails until I managed , after trying again& again, to talk to the ARROGANT commissioner who was ‘sleepling’ on my case :-
” …….who is a commissioner, you or I ? …..”
” …send the particulars of …( datuk, I ALREADY have!)….”
“… just send it …..”
” But datuk, 7 months ago ….” I almost CRIED !
” Do it as I said !! ”
“…………………………!? ” I nearly FAINTED !!
Swallowing my bitterness & agony, I complied ! Again, months & months later, nothing was done & then SUHAKAM wrote me a letter : ” sorry, it is beyond our jurisdiction to handle your case, NFA !!”
I appealed again & again but SUHAKAM responded NO MORE !!
I am really HURT by SUHAKAM’s humiliation & inhumane way of treating me as a ‘ silly old guinea-pig’ just for FUN & for the 1st timer commissioners
to try out how INQUIRY could be conducted !!
………………………..!? …………..
SUHAKAM’s humiliation !
I was called to KL, 500 km to-fro Ipoh , to attend its very 1st historic INQUIRY on my issue of ‘quest for justice’ on the 24-7-2000 & on 31-7-2000 I met with the chairman, ex-DPM who had promised me. ” don’t worry, we will do our BEST to help you get justice .” !
7 long months went past but NOTHING was done despite my numerous costly phone-calls , reg. letters & emails until I managed, after trying again & again, to talk to the ARROGANT commissioner who was ‘sleeping’ on my case :-
“…..who is the commissioner, you or I …?! ”
” ..send the particulars of … !”
” DATUK, I already have….” I pleaded.
“Just send it ! ”
” But, 7 months ago ……” I almost CRIED !
” DO it as I said ! ” he was angry !
” ……………………………….!! ” I nearly FAINTED.
Swallowing my bitterness & agong, I complied . BUT , months later, nothing was done again ! Then, SUHAKAM wrote me a letter,
” sorry ,it is beyond our jurisdiction to handle your case, NFA !!”
I appealed again & again BUT suhakam responded NO MORE !!
Now I am more HURT by suhakam’s humiliation & inhumane manners of treating me as a ‘ silly old guinea-pig’ just for FUN & for the 1st timer commissioners to try out how INQUIRY could be conducted !!