To reject a report because one's pride or authority is hurt is a poor reaction

by Dr Prema Devaraj

Recently, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, Suhakam, released their report on the Kesas Highway-Jalan Kebun gathering last year. They concluded (after a 20 day inquiry involving 46 witnesses) among other things, that the police had to take responsibility for human rights violations while dispersing the gathering.

The relevant authorities, however, reportedly dismissed the report, claiming it was biased, influenced by Western thinking and that Suhakam members were not �acting in the interest of Malaysia�.

A few days later, the Deputy Prime Minister announced that the Cabinet had set up a committee to study Suhakam�s report. He reportedly gave an assurance that there would be no cover-up but added that an independent commission to study the report was unnecessary.

The initial knee-jerk reaction to the report is disturbing. To reject a report because one�s pride or authority is hurt is a poor reaction. To be criticized or to have our mistakes pointed out may not be easy to accept. But if the critique is a fair appraisal of what has happened then it becomes necessary (no matter how painful) to look carefully at the critique, assess its veracity, take responsibility and make the necessary changes. It is through this process that we truly learn.

No one is perfect, no system is perfect, but we can all strive for improvement.

It is worrying when phrases such as �to think as Malaysians� or �to act in the interest of Malaysia � or �Malaysian values� are used interchangeably with a particular government position. These phrases are often used to imply that if one is supportive of the country, then one must be supportive of the government.

The point is that if people actually bothered about the country and the direction it was heading, they would behave responsibly by pointing out the faults and subsequently working towards improving the situation. The more people take collective responsibility for the country, the better chances we have of developing the nation.

We have to stop looking the other way when injustices occur. Lying to ourselves or refusing to accept reality is actually detrimental to the interests of our country.

The frequent use of the phrase �Malaysian values� needs to be constantly questioned and challenged, as it does not make sense.

Values are basically moral principles and standards. We cannot define values and a code of behavior by a country�s borders, which incidentally are dotted lines drawn on a map. Borders are merely artificial constructs designed to demarcate territory. These can change with an agreement (or disagreement) between two countries.

If we cocoon ourselves with this type of thinking (that value systems are geographically based), we will lose the capacity for compassion, the ability to feel interconnected with all people irrespective of their gender, class, ethnicity or religious beliefs. We will also be denying responsibility or refusing to be held accountable for our actions using the pretext that �this is how we do it here (ie Malaysian values)�.

If we go down this slippery slope of denial all is lost. We will end up with a situation where people can claim that George Town values are different from Taiping or Seremban values and then go and do what they like.

Our cultures may differ slightly but there are universal values which transcend boundaries and cultures and these must be upheld.

A violation against a person or an abuse of power is a violation irrespective of how, where, when or against whom it occurred. We cannot justify or excuse behavior based on geographic location.

We have just celebrated Merdeka and Malaysia Day. Let us not only reflect on all the wonderful things our country has achieved but also on all the things we must still work hard to improve.

There is no dishonour in making mistakes, it is part of the learning process.

There is dishonour, however, when we refuse to accept responsibility for our actions.

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