Dropping Santiago a ‘slap’ for human rights advocates, says group
Phil Robertson of Human Rights Watch says DAP has made a ‘disastrous decision’ to replace former Klang MP Charles Santiago in GE15.
PETALING JAYA: Human Rights Watch (HRW) has criticised DAP for dropping former Klang MP Charles Santiago as a candidate in the 15th general election, calling it a “disastrous decision”.
HRW’s deputy director (Asia), Phil Robertson, said if DAP actually cared about human rights issues, it should reverse the decision and allow Santiago to contest.
“Disastrous decision by DAP that will negatively affect human rights for Malaysians and across the Asean region,” Robertson said on Twitter.
“News reports that despite winning his seat with huge margins, DAP dumping Santiago, longstanding chairman of Asean Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR).”
He said Santiago’s proven track record on human rights issues was impressive and “should not be thrown aside so flippantly for crass political reasons”.
“It’s a slap in the face by DAP against those advocating for human rights,” he said.
Yesterday, DAP named Kota Kemuning assemblyman V Ganabatirau as its candidate for the Klang parliamentary seat.
This means that Santiago will not get to defend the seat where he had served for three terms.
In an immediate response, Santiago said he did not intend to stand as an independent following the snub from DAP.
Santiago had been increasing his majority in Klang in the three general elections since 2008. He won with a majority of 17,701 in 2008, 24,685 in 2013 and 78,773 in 2018.
In the last electoral roll, the constituency had about 55% Chinese voters, 26% Malays and 18% Indians.
Rumours that he would be dropped had been met with resistance from Klang business groups, NGOs and residents, who praised him for his community service and hard work, especially during last year’s floods.
PETALING JAYA: Human Rights Watch (HRW) has criticised DAP for dropping former Klang MP Charles Santiago as a candidate in the 15th general election, calling it a “disastrous decision”.
HRW’s deputy director (Asia), Phil Robertson, said if DAP actually cared about human rights issues, it should reverse the decision and allow Santiago to contest.
“Disastrous decision by DAP that will negatively affect human rights for Malaysians and across the Asean region,” Robertson said on Twitter.
“News reports that despite winning his seat with huge margins, DAP dumping Santiago, longstanding chairman of Asean Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR).”
He said Santiago’s proven track record on human rights issues was impressive and “should not be thrown aside so flippantly for crass political reasons”.
“It’s a slap in the face by DAP against those advocating for human rights,” he said.
Yesterday, DAP named Kota Kemuning assemblyman V Ganabatirau as its candidate for the Klang parliamentary seat.
This means that Santiago will not get to defend the seat where he had served for three terms.
In an immediate response, Santiago said he did not intend to stand as an independent following the snub from DAP.
Santiago had been increasing his majority in Klang in the three general elections since 2008. He won with a majority of 17,701 in 2008, 24,685 in 2013 and 78,773 in 2018.
In the last electoral roll, the constituency had about 55% Chinese voters, 26% Malays and 18% Indians.
Rumours that he would be dropped had been met with resistance from Klang business groups, NGOs and residents, who praised him for his community service and hard work, especially during last year’s floods.
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Much as I support (the majority of) Klang residents in wanting Charles Santiago to continue being their parliamentary representative, I don't agree with the opinion of HRW’s deputy director (Asia), Phil Robertson. Yes, Charles might have performed magnificently as chairman of Asean Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) but his non-candidature in GE15 is party politics, not human rights, and thus none of his business.
Westerners at times have an over-the-top weird bizarre approach/outlook to humane rights - today Australian Footballers condemned Qatar following the reported exploitation of migrant workers during stadium construction, and GET THIS, urged the country to legalise same-sex marriage.
Fxzing Crazy! And as the Qatarians will probably say, "Mind your own blardy business!" Wakakaka.
The rich footballers happily competing in the glitzy Qatari World Cup stadiums built with heavily exploited labour is definitely a valid human rights concern.
ReplyDeleteWe are long past "Mind your own blardy business" , especially involving a global international event.
I see you support the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Qatar. How about in Malaysia? wakakaka
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