Malaysia’s Human Rights and Environmental Rights Challenges
As Malaysia assumes the Asean chairmanship this year, activists have expressed concern that the country may not be able to walk the talk when it comes to human and environmental rights.
The Gap between Words and Actions
Human rights activist Debbie Stothard expressed worry about the threat to Malaysia’s legitimacy and reputation as Asean chair, citing the huge gap between what the foreign ministry says and what the home ministry does. She highlighted the case of the Rohingya, who face the threat of deportation by Malaysian authorities despite facing a second wave of genocide.
Empowering Asean Citizens
Lawyer Andrew Khoo emphasized the need to empower Asean citizens in Malaysia to express their concerns about what is happening in their home countries without fear of being deported. He cited the case of Nuon Toeun, a Cambodian domestic worker who was deported for allegedly criticizing the country’s former leader Hun Sen on social media.
Indigenous Communities and Land Rights
Khoo also pointed out that indigenous communities, not just in Malaysia but elsewhere in Asean, face the problem of land being taken from them by both the private sector and state corporations. He urged the government to introduce anti-SLAPP laws to prevent companies from abusing their economic power to threaten indigenous communities and human rights defenders.
Environmental Rights and Transparency
Mageswari Sangaralingam, CEO of the Consumers’ Association of Penang and honorary secretary of Sahabat Alam Malaysia, highlighted the absence of transparent processes and comprehensive consultation with all interest groups in the tabling of the Crop Seed Quality Bill in Parliament. She emphasized the need for transparency in environmental rights issues.
Malaysia’s Commitment to Human Rights
Edmund Bon, representative of the Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights Malaysia, welcomed various views presented by representatives from government agencies, civil society organizations, businesses, academia, and public policy institutes. He emphasized that Malaysia cannot support human rights abuses, even if it means going against long-standing conventions in Asean.
Conclusion
Malaysia’s commitment to human and environmental rights is being questioned as it assumes the Asean chairmanship. The country needs to prove its commitment to these rights at home before espousing them on the Asean stage. The government must address the concerns raised by activists and civil society organizations to ensure that Malaysia is a credible leader in promoting human and environmental rights in the region.
FAQs
Q: What are the concerns about Malaysia’s commitment to human and environmental rights?
A: Activists have expressed concern that Malaysia may not be able to walk the talk when it comes to human and environmental rights, citing the huge gap between what the foreign ministry says and what the home ministry does.
Q: What are the issues facing indigenous communities in Malaysia and Asean?
A: Indigenous communities face the problem of land being taken from them by both the private sector and state corporations, and there is an urgent need for the government to introduce anti-SLAPP laws to prevent companies from abusing their economic power to threaten indigenous communities and human rights defenders.
Q: What is the importance of transparency in environmental rights issues?
A: Transparency is crucial in environmental rights issues, as it allows for comprehensive consultation with all interest groups and ensures that decisions are made in the best interests of the public.