MALAYSIA ASKED TO SPONSOR RESOLUTION ON SRI LANKA

unhrc A leading Malaysian multi-ethnic coalition group raised an unusual demand to the Malaysian government to interfere in the human rights affairs of Sri Lanka. The Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia (GBM) coordination secretariat has called on the Foreign Minister of Malaysia to sponsor a resolution on Sri Lanka in the current United Nations Human Rights Council session in Geneva.

The move endorsed by leading muslim NGOs sent a memorandum to the Foreign minister today. In a press release the Chairperson of the coalition Tan Yew Seng expressed concerns on Sri Lanka’s human rights situation and stated that it is timely for Malaysia to sponsor a resolution against Sri Lanka at the ongoing HRC. If that is not possible Malaysia should co-sponsor the United States resolution but it should call for an independent international inquiry on the conduct of Sri Lanka before, during and after the civil war that ended in May 2009.

The coalition’s statement expressed deep concern and cautioned Malaysia over the increasing reports of attacks against Muslim places of religious worship and business establishments. It quoted that since the UN resolution last year there have been at least 8 attacks on mosques.

It took to task over worsening human rights standards that the Sri Lankan government has been accused of extra-judicial killings, disappearances and torture.

GBM noted that after the Tamils the Muslims are now the new targets of attack in Sri Lanka. Malaysia cannot be seen to support a country where Muslims and Tamils are facing such a situation.

The memorandum initiated by GBM is supported by 22 organizations including the powerful muslim group Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia, Muslim Professional Forum, Islamic Renaissance Front, Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, Association Women Lawyers and Tenaganita.

List of Endorsing Organisations
1. Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH)

2. Aliran

3. Tamil Foundation

4. Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia (IKRAM)

5. Majlis Perundingan Malaysia Agama Buddha; Krisitian; Hindu; Sikh dan Tao (MPMA-BKHST)

6. Negeri Sembilan Chinese Assembly Hall (NSCAH)

7. Lim Lian Geok Cultural Development Centre (LLG)

8. Muslim Professionals Forum (MPF)

9. Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM)

10. Pusat Komunikasi Masyarakat (KOMAS)

11. Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM)

12. Persatuan Masyarakat Selangor dan Wilayah Persekutuan (Permas)