KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 ― The government must explain how Malaysia was the only bidder among 16 countries to lose the election for the 15-seat United Nations Human Rights Council, Opposition lawmaker Liew Chin Tong said today.

The DAP MP for Kluang said he will submit his question to Parliament next Tuesday for Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman to answer during Question Time.

"It is shocking that Malaysia failed in its diplomatic effort and Parliament deserves to know what had happened.

"Anifah should also disclose in Parliament how much it costs Malaysia to lobby and campaign for the position, Liew said in a statement.

He noted that Malaysia had submitted its candidacy in January and was vying with Afghanistan, Nepal, Pakistan and Qatar for the four vacant Asia-Pacific seats and lost out.

In the secret ballot conducted during the UN General Assembly, Nepal topped the Asia-Pacific list with 165 votes followed by Qatar with 155 while Pakistan got 151 and Afghanistan, 130, edging out Malaysia’s 129 votes.

Liew pointed out that Malaysia had been an active member of the UN Human Rights Commission from 1993 to 2006 when it was dissolved and replaced by the UN Human Rights Council.

He added that Malaysia was still active after that and was elected to the council from 2006-2009, and again from 2010-2013.