Human Rights or Human Wrongs ?

Bernama, the national news agency of Malaysia, reported on December 15th 2005 that several Senators have called for actions against the Member parliament for Seputeh, Teresa Kok. Apparently, the group of Senator are unhappy that the honorable MP has expose the infamous “stripped and ear-squat” video clips and also brough up the case of four Chinese women who alleged mistreatment by the Police.

I admired the courage of Teresa Kok for bringing up to the attention of parliament of the alleged conducts unbecoming of the Malaysian Police and the violations of human rights. As a result of her courage, an Independent Commission was set up by the honorable Prime Minister to investigate the allegations. Yang Berhormat Teresa Kok, I salute you for your selflessness and courage in public service. History shall remembered you on your righteousness and the difference you have made to make Malaysia a better place.

As a result of this allegations, the facts has established that the infamous incident of “stripped and ear squat” did happened in a Police station in Petaling Jaya. However, instead of debating on (1) whether forced “stripped and ear-squat” is within the legal power of police, (2) whether forced “stripped and ear-squat” violate human rights, and (3) if forced “stripped and ear-squat” is a normal practice of the Police, is it still relevant today, and should it be abolished ? However, objectivity has been sidelined, The senators now chose to accuse the honorable MP of ulterior motives. These senators also now trying to shift the attention to racial lines by pointing to the fact that the woman depicted in the video clip is a Malay woman. My dear Senators, do we as a concerned citizen really care about the nationalities of the woman depicted in the video clip ? A violation of human rights is a violations. Please be sensible to avoid using racial parameters to justify human rights violations. The Senators has also claimed that the honorable MP has ulterior motive in exposing the issues. What ulterior motives are these Senators talking about ? I would like to suggest these Senators stop fanning conspiracy theories because there are none. The outpouring of public outcries in this case is not about racial issues. It is about whether the actions taken by the Police violated basic human rights ! Malaysian has expressed their disapproval, loud and clear! Dear senators, are you hearing without listening ? Go and re-educate the wrong doers ! Don't bring down the good men and woman.

Let us all honestly dig deep into our hearts, let us all evaluate our appreciation for humanity in totalities. Let us all not be blinded by our personal and emotional preferences, let us all not be champions along communal lines, let us all look at humanity with fair eyes and righteousness. Let us all appreciate and cultivate the respect for human rights.

Lest we forget, we aspired to be Global Malaysians with Global mentalities in this global village. Be open minded and be fair to all irregardless of whether they are Malaysians or foreigners. Our words in international arenas must be consistent with our local actions in Malaysia.