Civil Society
28 human rights societies criticise Mahathir’s government over delay in appointing new SUHAKAM Human Rights Commissioners
28 human rights groups and organisations, including MADPET (Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture) and the Singapore Anti-Death Penalty Campaign, have expressed their discontent over the delay in appointing new Human Rights Commissioners for the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM), and have urged Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and his government to explain the delay.
In a joint statement made on Wed (26 Jun), the human rights societies also pushed for the reform of the SUHAKAM Act to “ensure a more independent selection process”, as well as to lengthen the tenure and increase the remuneration for Commissioners to make SUHAKAM a “more efficient and effective National Human Rights Institution”.
“The power of choosing HR Commissioners effectively lies with the Prime Minister alone, who is duty bound to consult (but not follow) the recommendation of the selection committee. The King appoints on the advice of the Prime Minister. One future reform could be an independent Selection Committee or process, who selects Commissioners and the King appoints,” the statement read.
Subsequently, the societies also called upon the government to promptly table all past SUHAKAM annual reports and special reports in Parliament for the purpose of debate and scrutiny in the interest of transparency.
“We, the 28 undersigned groups and organizations are appalled that Malaysia still do not have Human Rights Commissioners in SUHAKAM (Malaysian National Human Rights Commission) since the term of office of the last batch of Commissioners came to an end on 27/4/2019, which is about 60 days ago,” the statement read.
The former Barisan National government, as highlighted by the groups, also delayed the appointment of SUHAKAM Commissioners, whereby the appointment of the immediate past team of HR Commissioners was delayed by about 58 days, and a delay of 38 days in the case of the team prior to that.
“The end of the term of office of Commissioners is fixed, and as such the selection should have been done earlier, and the appointment by the King should have happened immediately, so that there will never be a time that SUHAKAM is left without any Human Rights Commissioners,” according to the statement.
Razali Ismail’s resignation on 16 Apr, just two weeks before the end of his three-year tenure at the Parliamentary body, marked the beginning of the gap.
Besides Razali, seven other Commissioners had also ended their term the same month. The last round of appointments was made in Jul three years ago, and were backdated to April that year.
“There have been many different batches of Commissioners to date, and this also makes the failure to appoint the new batch of Commissioners immediately unacceptable,” added the statement.
The 28 human rights groups also highlighted the consequences of SUHAKAM being left without Human Rights Commissioners for a substantial period of time in their statement on Wed.
“Without Human Rights Commissioners, there is no Human Rights Commission, and that is why we have not seen any media statements or any new public inquiries initiated. All that remains at SUHAKAM are the staff, who without the Commissioners cannot really do anything. Neither the Prime Minister, Minister nor can Chief Secretary to the government have the power to direct the work of SUHAKAM staff,” argued the undersigned.
“On the day, the term of office of past Commissioners expired, delegated powers also expire, which means SUHAKAM employees cannot anymore attend(or call for) meetings, organize talks, trainings, conferences and any other activities until we have new HR Commissioners, hence the Commission, who can thereafter delegate powers to staff and give needed direction to its staff,” they added.
The organisations also drew attention to the powers vested in the SUHAKAM Human Rights Commissioners, which includes “the ability to make unannounced visits to places of detentions, which is important to ensure strict compliance to human rights standards”.
“A pre-informed visit, may result in detention authorities, cleaning up and/or even hiding the truth. Now, without commissioners, this also cannot happen. Delay in appointment of Commissioners questions commitment of government to Human Rights,” the statement read.
“It must be pointed that the immediate past HR Commissioners have all, save for Prof. Dato’ Dr. Aishah Bidin, have only served their first term of 3 years, and as such, qualify to be re- appointed to serve their second and final 3-year term.
“As such, the delay in appointment of SUHAKAM Commissioners raises many questions,” said the 28 human rights societies.
One of the key questions raised in the statement is whether the delay in appointing Human Rights Commissioners for SUHAKAM lies in Mahathir and his government’s aim to seek “a new batch” of Commissioners due to Razali’s outspokenness regarding the government’s position in instances where it fails “to defend and promote human rights”.
Some of the instances, as illustrated by the statement, include the inquiry panel’s decision confirming the role of Special Branch officers who were responsible for the enforced disappearance of Pastor Raymond Koh Keng Joo who was accused of proselytising to Muslims, and activist Amri Che Mat who was investigated for allegedly spreading the teachings of Shia Islam.
“SUHAKAM, if there were Commissioners, would have most likely responded to many issues in the past couple of months, including also possibly the issues concerning Orang Asli and environment pollution affecting health,” the statement read.
Former SUHAKAM Commissioner Denison Jayasooria told Free Malaysia Today: “Term periods are fixed and the government must have known the time needed for renewals. There should not be gaps.”
“For institutional reforms (to take place), these commissions must not be without their leaders,” he added.
Jayasooria, whose tenure took place from 2006-2010, also urged the Pakatan Harapan administration explain why new commissioners and a chairman have not been appointed to take charge of Suhakam for two months.
Jayasooria urged the Parliamentary Select Committee for Rights and Gender Equality to look into the matter.
Jayasooria said the annual Suhakam report has yet to be debated in Parliament despite being part of Pakatan Harapan’s election manifesto last year.
“This must be a priority for the coming Parliament meeting in July,” he said.
The Star Online quoted de facto Law Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Liew Vui Keong as saying that a list of proposed commissioners for SUHAKAM has already been submitted to Dr Mahathir last week.
“The list has been given to the Prime Minister for him to make the announcement,” Liew told reporters after opening the National High-Level Dialogue on Business and Human Rights in Putrajaya yesterday (25 Jun).
Civil Society
Lim Chin Joo remembered for his contributions to Singapore’s anti-colonial movement
Singaporeans mourn Lim Chin Joo, younger brother of Lim Chin Siong, who passed away at age 87. Political dissident Tan Wah Piow, historian Dr Thum Ping Tjin, and former Minister George Yeo paid tribute to Mr Lim, highlighting his significant contributions to the anti-colonial movement and his later involvement in Singapore’s historical studies.
Following the news of the passing of Lim Chin Joo (林清如) at age 87, a former political detainee and younger brother of Barisan Sosialis leader Lim Chin Siong, many Singaporeans from civil society, as well as those involved in political, literary, or historical studies, expressed their condolences on social media.
According to Lianhe Zaobao, Mr Lim, a former student activist and former president of the Ee Hoe Hean Club, sustained a severe head injury on 1 October 2024 after an accidental fall and was rushed to the hospital.
He passed away the following night, leaving behind his widow, four children, and several grandchildren.
Lawyer Tan Wah Piow, a political dissident and former student leader from the 1970s, recalled a chance encounter with Lim Chin Joo on 4 October 2016 at a pedestrian crossing in Bayswater, London.
Lim introduced himself, and although both were headed to different restaurants for dinner, they briefly parted ways. Later that evening, Tan managed to meet Lim again at the Mandarin Kitchen, where they took a photo together.
Tan expressed regret that they didn’t have more time to converse. Although they maintained occasional contact over the years, they could not meet again, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Lim’s health condition.
Mr Tan noted that while Lim Chin Joo was widely recognised as the brother of Lim Chin Siong, “In his own right, Chin Joo was a patriot whose political journey began as a middle school student activist.”
He highlighted Mr Lim’s contributions to the anti-colonial movement, later becoming a trade unionist.
Lim shared the fate of many Chinese-educated youths at the time, suffering imprisonment without trial—first under British rule in 1957, and later until 1966, even after Singapore attained self-rule and independence.
“Why did his own government imprison him without trial after the British left? That was the subject I would love to explore.”
Mr Tan also remarked that despite the interruptions to Lim’s life, he managed to qualify and practice as a lawyer in Singapore.
“That evening, the subject of Chin Joo’s brother Lim Chin Siong, weighed heavily on my mind. This was because within 100 yards of the restaurant where I was dining, Lim Chin Siong once lived and worked during his exile in the 1970s.”
“Arrested without trial in 1963, Lim Chin Siong was exiled to London in 1969 as a condition of his release. The six years of imprisonment from 1963 to his exile greatly affected this national hero’s health and well-being. ”
Mr Lim’s Significant Contributions to Singapore’s Civil Society and Historical Study
Dr Thum Ping Tjin, a Singaporean historian and activist, shared in a Facebook post on Sunday (6 October) that Mr Lim was highly supportive of his work, assisting with his research and showing great enthusiasm for the publication of Nationalism and Decolonisation in Singapore, 1953-63.
Despite being very unwell, Mr Lim was insistent on meeting up to discuss the book.
“He even bought a dozen copies of my book on the spot! He was also really looking forward to my upcoming biography of his brother, Lim Chin Siong.”
“I’m sad that he will not be able to read it. Rest in Power, Chin Joo.”
Illustrator Sonny Liew also recalled that Mr Lim, along with the Ee Hoe Hean Club, provided a small grant to support the development of a new graphic novel some years ago.
Mr Lim also assisted with a book launch at Grassroots Book Room (草根書室) in 2019.
Separately, historian Dr Loh Kah Seng shared his first meeting with Mr Lim in 2007 while working on his PhD. Dr Loh explained that he had reached out to Mr Lim because of his experience working at the Land Office after his release from detention.
“He picked me up and drove me to his house. He told me a few things about squatter laws and reiterated that he would not talk about his brother. ”
Dr Loh also noted that Mr Lim mentioned he was working on his memoir at the time. The memoir was published in 2014, and Mr Lim kindly sent him a copy. By then, he had become more open about sharing his story and Singapore’s history.
Former Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo Pays Tribute to Lim Chin Joo
Former Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo also shared a photo with the late Lim Chin Joo in remembrance of him.
In her tribute, Singaporean writer Loo Li San expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Lim Chin Joo, reflecting on his profound influence on her and others in Singapore.
She shared personal memories, highlighting his encouragement for her writing and how he served as both a mentor and a guiding figure in her life.
She recalled what Mr Lim told her: ‘Li San, would you like to write for Yihe Shiji (怡和世纪, quarterly publication by Ee Hoe Hean Club)?’
‘You can write anything; I love to read whatever you write.’
Ms Loo emphasised that his legacy would continue to inspire her and others to strive for greatness.
From Student Activist to Legal Scholar
Born in 1937 in Pontian, Johor, Lim Chin Joo attended The Chinese High School in Singapore after World War II, and became actively involved in student and labour movements, notably as a key member of the Singapore Chinese Middle School Student Union in 1957.
At the age of 20, he was detained under the Preservation of Public Security Ordinance, now known as the Internal Security Act (ISA).
His detention lasted nine years, during which he pursued his education and earned a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of London.
Upon his release in 1966, he joined the Singapore government’s elite administrative service, later transitioning to private legal practice in 1973, where he continued to work until his retirement in 2002.
Lim authored several books, including My Youth in Black and White, reflecting on his life and his brother, Lim Chin Siong, and in his later years, he served as an honorary adviser to the Ee Hoe Hean Club, a gathering place for Chinese businessmen in Singapore.
Civil Society
Lim Chin Joo, younger brother of Lim Chin Siong, passes away at age 87
Lim Chin Joo, former political detainee and younger brother of Barisan Sosialis leader Lim Chin Siong, passed away at 87. Involved in the student movement, Lim was detained in 1957. After his release in 1966, he served as a land revenue collector before transitioning to legal practice. He also authored books about his brother and his time in detention.
SINGAPORE: Lim Chin Joo (林清如), former political detainee and younger brother of Barisan Socialis leader Lim Chin Siong (林清祥), has passed away at the age of 87.
According to an obituary seen by The Online Citizen, the former student activist’s wake was held from 3 October to 6 October at Singapore Casket, Regency Hall, located at 131 Lavender Street.
His funeral service took place on Sunday (6 October), at 8.35 am, followed by cremation at Mandai Crematorium Hall 3 at 10.20 am.
According to Lianhe Zaobao, Lim sustained a severe head injury on 1 October after an accidental fall and was taken to the hospital.
He passed away the following night. Lim leaves behind his widow, four children, and several grandchildren.
His daughter, Lim Danliang, noted that despite surviving two major heart surgeries in the last five years, he had come to terms with his deteriorating health and made clear arrangements for his funeral, keeping it a private affair for close family members only.
Born in 1937 in Pontian, Johor, Lim Chin Joo was the third of 12 children.
His early life was marked by the challenges of the Japanese occupation, during which his family fled to the rubber plantations to escape the conflict.
In the aftermath of the war, Lim attended The Chinese High School (now part of Hwa Chong Institution) in Singapore, where he became involved in local student and labour movements.
He was a key member of the Singapore Chinese Middle School Student Union and became deeply engaged in the political climate of the time.
Detained in August 1957
In August 1957, at the age of 20, he was detained under the Preservation of Public Security Ordinance, now known as the Internal Security Act (ISA).
His detention lasted nine years, during which he was held in various locations, including Changi Prison, the Central Police Station, and St. John’s Island.
This period of his life coincided with pivotal moments in Singapore’s history, including the 1959 Legislative Assembly election, the 1962 merger referendum, the 1963 election, and the separation of Singapore from Malaysia in 1965.
While incarcerated, Lim took the opportunity to further his education. He pursued academic qualifications and, at the age of 28, obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree with second-class honours from the University of London.
Lim Accepted Lee Kuan Yew’s Offer and Became Land Revenue Collector
Upon his release in 1966, he took up a position in the Singapore government’s elite administrative service.
In a 2019 interview with Mothership, Lim shared that he had met with then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who offered him a role in the Ministry of Law as a collector of land revenue.
Lim accepted the position and played a role in the acquisition of Pulau Tekong, remaining in public service for seven years.
In 1973, Lim transitioned to private legal practice, establishing himself as a lawyer. He continued his law career until his retirement in 2002.
Lim also authored several books, including memoirs that reflected on his life and his relationship with his older brother, Lim Chin Siong.
In his book My Youth in Black and White, Lim chronicled his experiences from childhood through to his years as a student activist and brief stint as a trade unionist before his arrest.
He described his brother as “a man with a big heart” who always sought to bring people together.
In his later years, Lim volunteered as an honorary adviser to the Ee Hoe Hean Club, a gathering place for Chinese businessmen in Singapore.
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