KUALA LUMPUR: The CSO Platform for Reform has asked Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) commissioner Datuk Hasnal Rezua Merican Habib Merican to resign from his position after he was nominated by Umno as a candidate for the Kuang state seat in Selangor in next month's state election.
"We have asked Hasnal to immediately resign from his position as Suhakam commissioner."
"Assigning a politician to an important position in Suhakam will raise serious doubts about the commission's independence and its ability to function without external influence," CSO Platform said in a statement today.
It said Suhakam's main function was to harness the principle of accountability and respecting human rights, thus the involvement of a politician in the organisation would raise concerns that these functions would be affected.
"The potential for a conflict of interest raises a deeper concern, so we wish to emphasise the need to carefully monitor the commissioner who was appointed last year."
The group further urged Hasnal to uphold Suhakam's integrity and protect its credibility by stepping down.
