KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 14 -- The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) yesterday stressed that the state of Emergency should be guided by human rights principles and should not be used for any purpose other than to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Suhakam in a statement said that it is concerned over the lack of check and balance on the concentration of executive powers of the government during the period of Emergency.

"Suhakam noted that during the Emergency period, Parliament and the State Legislative Assemblies will be prorogued until further notice.

"Suhakam stresses that Parliament is a central institution of democracy and it is a body entrusted with the oversight function to ensure that the government is fully accountable to...