BANGI, Nov 13 — Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Nancy Shukri has reminded non-governmental organisations (NGO) and civil societies to pursue the Malaysian mould if they wanted to voice their opinions on the National Human Rights Action Plan (NHRAP).

She also urged all parties to be civic-conscious when voicing their opinions on the plan in the social media.

Nancy said the NGOs and civil societies should not be influenced by human rights groups overseas where the society was different from that in Malaysia.

“Do not be influenced by human rights groups in other countries. Let us have our own Malaysian agenda and form a human rights plan for the good of the country.

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“Be more civic-minded in making this project a success in the social media,” she said in her speech to officiate a ceremony on the involvement of NGOs and the civil society in making the NHRAP policy a success here today.

The event was attended by more than 150 participants comprising representatives from various NGOs, civil societies and research groups. It was aimed at creating a platform which was transparent and open in discussing and obtaining views on human rights issues.

Speaking to Bernama after the ceremony, Nancy said the NGOs and civil societies should consider Malaysia’s position before making a stand on human rights.

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“NHRAP Malaysia must be based on the Malaysian mould. We are a multi-ethnic country, with different ethnic groups in the Peninsular, Sabah, and Sarawak. In order to merge all these groups, you have to understand the thinking and the culture,” she noted.

She said although the NGOs could refer to other countries as a benchmark, they (human rights) should be suitable to Malaysia.

“You can benchmark certain countries. But they must be suitable. Sometimes, what other countries have, may not be suitable for us (Malaysia). That’s why, we have this (the ceremony today). This is the best platform for them (NGOs and civil societies) to discuss and air their views,” she added.

Nancy also urged researchers to be rational in commenting on the NHRAP in the social media.

“Make good comments. When you are rational, you can give good comments. If you are not rational but are emotional in your thinking, you cannot help. In order to help and be professional in thinking, you must be rational,” she noted.

Meanwhile, during the ceremony, Nancy said the government had agreed to develop the NHRAP for Malaysia, in line with international developments which sought a better quality of life.

“The development of this plan will be the basis to five main thrusts which are civil and political rights; economic, social, religious and cultural rights; rights of vulnerable groups; rights of original peoples; and global responsibilities,” she said.

Nancy added that based on the Handbook on National Human Rights Plans of Action, before an NHRAP was formed, a baseline study should be conducted to evaluate the existing human rights situation in a country.

“The result of this study will be the backbone to determine the contents of the action plan.

“At present, the Legal Department of the Prime Minister’s Department, as the focal agency for the development of the NHRAP, is implementing the first phase of the study,” she said. — Bernama